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By Shane Croucher and Amir Daftari
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A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck near Isfahan in central Iran on Friday, shaking areas just 26.5 kilometers (16.5 miles) from the Natanz nuclear facility, the country's main uranium enrichment site. Hours later, a second tremor measuring 4.5 magnitude occurred at 1:03 p.m. local time, according to the Iranian Seismological Center.
Initial reports from local news outlets reported no damage to the nuclear site or casualties. Emergency teams are currently assessing the affected areas, according to Reza Moussavi, head of crisis management in Isfahan province.
Newsweek has reached out the Iran's foreign ministry for comment.
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Why It Matters
The earthquake comes at a tense moment, as U.S. and Israeli officials prepare for high-level discussions in Washington regarding Iran's nuclear program. With tensions already high, analysts warn that even natural events near sensitive sites could increase geopolitical anxieties.
Natanz remains a focal point of international scrutiny, with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently raising concerns about Iran's growing stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium. Iran has always said its nuclear program has only peaceful purposes.
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What to Know
The Natanz facility, largely located underground, has been a repeated target of sabotage. In July 2020, a major explosion at its centrifuge assembly plant caused severe damage, which Iranian officials later attributed to sabotage. Less than a year later, in April 2021, another attack struck the site. Iran directly accused Israel of orchestrating the strike.
Recent Security Threats
In 2023, an Israeli airstrike targeted an S-300 air defense system near Isfahan, the province where Natanz is. The attack heightened regional concerns over potential escalations, given the facility's critical role in Iran's nuclear program.
Bushehr Earthquake
Also on Friday, a moderate 4.3 magnitude earthquake struck Iran's southern Bushehr province. The tremor hit at 2:13 a.m. local time but wasn't widely felt—or at least, no reports of shaking have surfaced. So far, there haven't been any reports of damage or impact in the area. Bushehr is home to another of Iran's nuclear power plants.
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What People Are Saying
Mansour Glass Shisheforoush, Director General of Crisis Management Department of Isfahan Governor Office said: "The earthquake caused buildings in the central Natanz County to shake, and people took to the streets and open spaces."
Washington-based Nuclear Threat Initiative stated: The Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center "is Iran's largest nuclear research complex and employs approximately 3,000 scientists."
What Happens Next
Authorities are expected to release further assessments on whether the quake caused any structural damage to the Natanz facility. Meanwhile, diplomatic discussions in Washington could influence how global powers respond to Iran's nuclear activities.
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