Report:
A 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck the Gerash region in southern Iran on Tuesday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The agency said the tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 kilometres (6.21 miles). Gerash is located along the Zagros fold and thrust belt — a seismically active zone formed by the collision of the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates — and frequently experiences earthquakes.
Although quakes of that magnitude are relatively common in the area, the latest tremor comes amid heightened regional tensions, as Iran faces ongoing military strikes from Israel and the United States in an operation that began on Saturday.
Shaking from Tuesday’s earthquake was felt in nearby rural communities, but there have been no immediate reports of casualties or significant structural damage.
Meanwhile, Israel said it is carrying out “simultaneous strikes in Tehran and Beirut,” targeting Iranian military installations and Hezbollah positions as its military operations in Lebanon intensify.
Earlier, the Israeli military said it had struck Iranian missile launchers and air defence systems allegedly used to target Israeli Air Force aircraft. It added that its jets would continue operations against missile launcher sites, live fire arrays, and ballistic missile infrastructure.
In a separate statement, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces had destroyed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, Iranian air defence systems, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields.
Iran has also continued aerial attacks targeting US allies in the Gulf. On Tuesday morning, Iranian drones reportedly struck the US embassy in Riyadh, causing a minor fire and prompting officials to advise American citizens to keep away from the diplomatic compound.
Credit: TheCable
