By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
A 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck the city of Gerash in southern Iran on Tuesday, according to the United States Geological Survey.
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 where the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide, making it one of the most earthquake-prone regions in the Middle East.
Although earthquakes of this magnitude are relatively common in the area, the incident comes at a tense moment for Iran, which is facing heightened military pressure from Israel and the United States following recent strikes.
Residents in nearby rural communities reported feeling the tremor, but authorities said there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant 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 operations continue in Lebanon.
