Earthquake
Details
Event title
Iran - Iran Earthquake and Nuclear Site Questions: 4.3 Magnitude Shock in Fars Province
Source
Severity
Low
Event date (UTC)
2026-03-03 12:02:10
Last update (UTC)
2026-03-03 12:02:10
Area range
Multiple counties wide event
Address/Affected area(s)
-
A magnitude 4.3 earthquake struck near Khonj in Fars province in southern Iran on Tuesday, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred at a depth of 10 km and was recorded at 6:54 GMT (around 10:24 AM local time). The epicentre was located about 55 km north-northwest of Gerash, in a largely rural area.
A 4.3 magnitude tremor is classified as light to moderate. Residents close to the epicentre may have felt shaking, but such quakes typically do not cause major structural damage. As of now, there are no reports of casualties or significant damage. No tsunami warning has been issued, and the risk of a tsunami is considered negligible.
Southern Iran lies within the seismically active Zagros fold-thrust belt, where earthquakes are relatively common due to tectonic activity.
Separate Developments Around Nuclear Sites
The earthquake comes at a time of heightened regional tensions. Separately, an independent policy institute, the Institute for Science and International Security, said commercial satellite imagery indicated what it described as strikes on access points to the underground uranium enrichment facility at Natanz.
The imagery, produced by Colorado-based Vantor and reviewed by the institute, was cited by David Albright, a former UN nuclear inspector and the institute’s founder. He said the images suggested the strikes occurred between Sunday afternoon and Monday morning local time. He did not identify whether the United States or Israel carried out the strikes.
The US and Israel launched air operations against Iran over the weekend, citing concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme. Iran has denied seeking nuclear weapons. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the White House and US Central Command did not immediately comment on the reported satellite findings.
There is no official indication linking the 4.3 magnitude earthquake in Fars province to any military activity or nuclear facilities. Authorities continue to monitor both seismic activity and regional security developments.