A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck northern Iran on Friday, coinciding with ongoing Israeli military operations targeting strategic sites in the country
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, approximately 37 kilometers southwest of Semnan. Iranian state-run Tasnim News Agency gave a slightly higher reading of 5.2 magnitude.
Tremors were felt in Tehran, but early reports indicated no major damage. However, the quake’s proximity to the Fordow nuclear enrichment facility in Qom Province has raised concerns, given the current regional tension.
The earthquake occurred around the same time Israeli airstrikes reportedly targeted an Iranian air defense site in Behmai Province, located in the southwest. According to Israeli news outlet Ynet, the strike was part of a broader effort to neutralize missile threats directed at Israel.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed responsibility, stating that three surface-to-surface missile launchers ready to fire at Israel were destroyed. In a social media post, the IDF also claimed to have eliminated a group of Iranian soldiers, including an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander overseeing 15 missile launchers in western Iran.
“A cell of Iranian commanders and soldiers was also eliminated,” the IDF said. “Additionally, a Remotely Piloted Aircraft identified a group of Iranian soldiers, including an IRGC base commander in western Iran responsible for 15 missile launchers, en route to carry out a launch. The cell was eliminated.”
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