4.4 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Iran

The United States Geological Survey has stated that a magnitude 4.4 earthquake has struck Gerash in southern Iran.

The agency reported that the tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 kilometres (6.21 miles).

Gerash lies in a seismically active zone along the Zagros fold and thrust belt, where the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide — one of the Middle East’s most earthquake-prone areas.

Although quakes in the magnitude-4 range are common, the event comes as Iran faces military pressure from Israel and the United States following strikes that began over the weekend.

Shaking from Tuesday’s quake was reported in surrounding rural communities, but authorities say there are no immediate reports of casualties or major structural damage.

Meanwhile, Israel confirmed it is carrying out what it described as “simultaneous strikes in Tehran and Beirut,” targeting Iranian military sites and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah as its forces continue operations in Lebanon.

The Israeli military stated that it had struck missile launchers and air defence systems used to target aircraft, adding that operations would continue against attempts to arm launch sites and ballistic missile facilities.

The US Central Command also reported destroying Iranian military infrastructure, including command centres and drone launch sites.

Iran has continued to launch aerial strikes against US-aligned positions in the Gulf region.

LEADERSHIP reports that on Tuesday, drones hit the US embassy in Riyadh, causing a minor fire, while a separate strike targeted the US diplomatic mission in Kuwait. No significant casualties were reported. Regional tensions remain high as both sides continue military operations.