Earthquake of 5.2 magnitude strikes near Iran's Semnan

A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck near Iran's Semnan late on Friday (June 20), sending tremors through the region. According to reports from the GFZ, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake occurred around 35 km southwest of Semnan at 5.49 local time. The earthquake's depth was recorded at 10 km, indicating a relatively shallow tremor that could possibly cause major damage.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. According to reports, Semnan is home to the Semnan Missile Complex operated by Iran's military as well as the Semnan Space Centre.

Iran, located on the geologically active Alpine-Himalayan seismic belt, is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. Its complex tectonic setting results in frequent seismic events, many of which have caused significant destruction and loss of life over the years. On average, Iran experiences about 2,100 earthquakes annually, including approximately 15 to 16 of magnitude 5.0 or higher.

Recent activity has once again underscored this persistent threat. On June 17, a magnitude 4.2 earthquake struck near Borazjan in Bushehr province, followed by another 4.2 magnitude quake near Kashmar in Razavi Khorasan just a day later. These events highlight the constant seismic risk faced by the region and the importance of preparedness in earthquake-prone areas like Iran.

Meanwhile, Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, a faceoff between representatives of both nations at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Friday (June 20). While Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, termed Israel's strikes as “betrayal of diplomacy by the US”, Israel’s United Nations ambassador Danny Danon slammed Tehran for seeking help from the international community. Slamming Iran, Danon said, “How dare you write five letters last week to this assembly to demand a session and ask the international community for sympathy? How dare you ask the international community to protect you from the consequences of your own genocidal agenda? You are not a victim. You are not even a diplomat. You are a wolf pretending to be a diplomat, and we are done pretending otherwise.”

He added, "Iran is developing missiles with a range of 4,000 km. We are protecting our children and yours. If no one leads this fight, we will. We will not stop until Iran's nuclear threat is dismantled. We do not apologize for neutralizing a threat. We're acting where international community hesitated.”