An earthquake measuring 4.3 on the Richter scale has rocked the Gerash region in southern Iran at a depth of 10 kilometres, the United States Geological Survey said.

While no significant damage or casualties were immediately reported, the tremor occurred amid escalating hostilities in the region as the United States (US) and Israel continue military strikes on Iranian territory following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

The fragile situation also prompted internet to speculate if the tremors were a consequence of Iran secretly testing weapons of mass destruction, however, no official statement was released or any concerns expressed.

It may be noted that Iran sits on several major fault lines, making it one of the most seismically active regions in the world. Weapon testing, even large-scale explosions, does not produce the same seismic signatures as tectonic earthquakes.

Seismologists can distinguish between natural quakes and manmade blasts because they look very different in terms of wave patterns, depth and energy release. When the earthquake in Iran was reported, it was catalogued by international seismic monitoring networks as a natural tectonic event, not an artificial explosion.

Meanwhile, the conflict entered its fourth day on Tuesday, with missile launches, drone interceptions and air strikes reported across the Middle East.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Washington of joining the conflict in support of Israel, stating on X that the US had entered “a war of choice on behalf of Israel” and placing responsibility for the loss of life on Israeli actions.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said they launched drones and missiles at a US air base in Bahrain, claiming the Sheikh Isa facility’s main command headquarters was destroyed. 

Saudi Arabia reported drone strikes on the US embassy compound in Riyadh, causing limited material damage. Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE and Israel all reported intercepting missiles and drones fired from Iran.

Oil markets reacted to the conflict, with Brent crude rising to $79.44 a barrel and US West Texas Intermediate at $72.40.

The US Secretary of State said the strikes targeted missile production and launch capabilities, not civilians, following a strike on a girls’ school that killed 180 people.

US Central Command confirmed that over 1,250 targets had been struck within 48 hours, including missile sites, naval vessels and command centres, and reported six US service member deaths. 

The US State Department also advised Americans to leave 15 Middle Eastern countries, while Canada urged its citizens to depart the UAE if possible. IRGC warned that the US “will no longer be safe” if operations continue, and Qatar reserved the right to respond to Iranian strikes.