An earthquake occurred in Iran in the area of a nuclear facility, which is the main uranium enrichment site in the country. This is reported by Newsweek, citing data from the Iranian Seismological Center, reports UNN.
Details
It is noted that the earthquake with a magnitude of 5 occurred on Friday, March 21, near the city of Isfahan in central Iran. At the same time, a few hours later, at about 13:00, a second aftershock with a magnitude of 4.5 was recorded.
The first reports from local news outlets did not mention damage to the nuclear facility or casualties. According to the head of the crisis response department of Isfahan province, Reza Musavi, rescue teams are currently assessing the affected areas.
The earthquake occurred at a tense moment, as US and Israeli officials are preparing for negotiations in Washington on Iran's nuclear program. Analysts warn that even natural disasters near sensitive sites could increase geopolitical tensions.
According to Newsweek, the facility in Natanz, most of which is located underground, has repeatedly been the target of sabotage.
In July 2020, a major explosion at a centrifuge assembly plant caused serious damage, which Iranian officials later attributed to sabotage. Less than a year later, in April 2021, another attack occurred at the facility. Iran directly accused Israel of orchestrating the strike.
In 2023, an Israeli airstrike destroyed an S-300 air defense system near Isfahan.
Newsweek adds that Iranian authorities are expected to release additional assessments of possible damage to the nuclear facility due to the earthquake in the near future. At the same time, the planned diplomatic talks in Washington may affect further international reaction to the Iranian nuclear program.
Reminder
Iran increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% to 274.8 kg in the last three months. This amount may be enough to create six nuclear warheads, despite Tehran's claims about the peaceful goals of the program.
A second earthquake occurred in Georgia today: what is known about the tremors08.03.25, 18:59