A series of nine small earthquakes struck the Pardis area, east of Tehran, overnight, according to Iran's Mehr news agency on Wednesday. The event has raised fears among experts and residents that Iran's capital may face a major seismic disaster.
The repeated seismic activity has revived concerns that tectonic pressure building beneath and around the capital, which lies near several active fault lines, could trigger a much larger earthquake in the future. While aftershocks in the region are common, the occurrence of multiple events in a single night is rare.
The tremors were recorded near the Mosha fault, one of Iran's most active seismic zones. The fault is approximately 150 kilometers long and lies about 40 kilometers from Tehran.
No Casualties or Damage Reported
Iranian state media reported that one of the earthquakes had a magnitude of 4.6, but the mild seismic activity caused no casualties or material damage. Semi-official Mehr news agency quoted seismologist Mehdi Zare as saying it is unclear whether these aftershocks represent the release of accumulated seismic energy, thereby reducing future risk, or serve as a warning sign of stronger activity along the fault system near Tehran.
Mr. Zare warned that Tehran's vulnerability stems not only from active faults but also from dense urban development, high population density, and limited preparedness. He noted that even relatively small earthquakes could cause disruption in the capital due to fragile infrastructure and congestion, complicating emergency response efforts.
Tehran, a metropolitan area of over 14 million people, lies near major active faults such as North Tehran, Mosha, and Rey. Iranian experts have repeatedly warned that a major earthquake near Tehran could have catastrophic consequences. Iran is among the world's most earthquake-prone countries, and the memory of the 2003 Bam earthquake, which killed more than 30,000 people, remains vivid.
