Southern Iran was shaken by a 4.4-magnitude earthquake as tensions escalated following intensified Israeli and US strikes.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the tremor hit the Gerash region at a depth of about 10 kilometres (6.21 miles), rattling an already volatile area.
Gerash lies along the Zagros fold and thrust belt, where the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide, one of the Middle East’s most earthquake-prone zones.
While magnitude-4 quakes are relatively common here, the timing amid the ongoing military assault has alarmed locals and observers alike.
The tremor comes as Iran continues to fend off strikes from Israel and the United States in an operation that began Saturday, adding to fears of escalating regional instability.
More details are expected as the situation develops.
