🔹 5.1‑Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Northern Iran Amid Israel–Iran War
Date & Location:
On June 20, 2025, a 5.1‑magnitude earthquake shook northern Iran, centered about 37 kilometers southwest of Semnan, at a shallow depth of 10 km. Though Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported it at 5.2, most global seismology institutions, including the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), recorded it at 5.1.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 37 kilometers (23 miles) southwest of Semnan, a city in northern Iran. It struck at a depth of 10 kilometers (about 6 miles) beneath the earth’s surface, a depth typically associated with more noticeable shaking on the ground.
Iran’s state-affiliated Tasnim News Agency reported a slightly stronger magnitude of 5.2, reflecting the common variation in early seismic assessments between different geological institutions. While there were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage, the timing of the quake—coinciding with ongoing military action—added to the atmosphere of anxiety and unrest in the region.
This seismic activity highlights Iran’s vulnerability to earthquakes, as the country sits on multiple major fault lines. Coupled with current military operations, the quake adds to the strain on emergency services and civilian safety across affected areas.
Iran’s Response
- Iran has launched over 1,000 drones and hundreds of missiles toward Israeli territory.
- The Iranian government issued statements asserting it will only consider diplomatic talks if Israeli aggression halts.
