Earthquake of magnitude 5.0 strikes Iran near nuclear site

A magnitude 5 earthquake struck Iran’s Natanz region in central Isfahan province on Friday, causing minor structural damage but no immediate casualties, according to local media reports. The tremor was strong enough to shatter windows in several villages, but officials are still assessing the full impact.

The earthquake hit an area near Iran’s key Natanz nuclear facility, a site central to the country’s nuclear program. While there are no confirmed reports of damage to the facility, experts are closely monitoring the situation to ensure safety measures remain intact.

Iran sits on several major seismic fault lines, making earthquakes a frequent occurrence. In the past, some quakes have caused severe destruction and loss of life, though this one appears to have had only limited effects. The Iranian Seismological Center has recorded multiple aftershocks in the region, but none strong enough to cause additional damage.

Local authorities have begun damage assessments across affected villages. Several residents reported broken windows, cracks in walls, and minor collapses in older structures. Emergency services remain on high alert, and local officials have urged people to remain cautious in case of aftershocks.

International concerns remain regarding the proximity of the quake to the Natanz nuclear facility, a highly sensitive site involved in uranium enrichment. The Iranian government has not yet confirmed whether the earthquake had any impact on the site, but safety inspections are reportedly underway.

As Iran continues to grapple with frequent seismic activity, authorities emphasize the need for improved infrastructure resilience and preparedness. Further updates are expected as officials complete their investigations into the full extent of the quake’s impact.