Tehran – A 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck central Iran on October 3, 2025, at 12:05 am local time (Tehran GMT +3:30), centered near Zavareh in Isfahan province, approximately 80 km northeast of Ardestan, at a depth of 10 km. The tremor was felt across a wide area, including the capital Tehran and the city of Qom in the north of Isfahan, according to reports from Iran’s Seismological Center and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). No immediate reports of damage or casualties have emerged, but residents in Tehran described mild shaking, prompting concerns in a region prone to seismic activity.
The quake, occurring in a sparsely populated area, has not triggered any tsunami warnings, but local authorities are monitoring for aftershocks. Iran’s location on major fault lines makes it one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries, with past events like the 2017 Kermanshah quake killing over 600. Officials in Isfahan have advised residents to stay vigilant, as even moderate quakes can cause structural damage in older buildings.
A smaller 3.1 magnitude earthquake was also felt in Iran shortly after, though details remain limited. Seismologists note that such events are common, but the proximity to populated areas like Tehran raises alarms.
