The earthquake that struck Iran and the occupied Palestinian territories on October 5th has stirred suspicions about the possibility of a secret nuclear test by Tehran. This comes amidst heightened tensions with “Tel Aviv” and the likelihood of an Israeli response to Iran’s unprecedented missile strikes.
The “Arab Defense” website highlighted these concerns, stating that “a moderate earthquake hit both Iran and Israel on the evening of October 5th, leading to intense speculations that Iran may have conducted a covert nuclear test.”
The report noted that the earthquake, with a magnitude of 4.6, had its epicenter in Aradan, Semnan Province, at a shallow depth of only 10 kilometers. It added that “around 10:45 PM local time, tremors were felt as far as Tehran, which is about 110 kilometers away from the epicenter, according to the United States Geological Survey.”
Shortly after the initial quake, a weaker tremor was reported in Israel around midnight, further fueling concerns and theories about the nature of these seismic events. The website pointed out that “the unusual timing of both events, coupled with the ongoing tensions between the two nations, led to widespread speculation on social media about a potential nuclear test.”
It also highlighted that “the earthquake in Iran occurred near a nuclear power plant, making it difficult to determine whether the shock was caused by a natural earthquake or a nuclear test.” The shallow depth of the earthquake, along with its proximity to nuclear facilities, suggests the possibility of an underground nuclear test.
The report elaborated, “While underground nuclear tests can trigger seismic activity, the specific details of this event raise questions. Iran’s nuclear sites, like Natanz, are deeply fortified, indicating their capacity for such operations. However, the shallow depth and moderate magnitude of the quake do not conclusively indicate a nuclear test—containing an underground explosion without its effects being detected on the surface is a complex matter.”
The website emphasized that “the current political climate has heightened concerns regarding the advancement of Iran’s nuclear capabilities.” It noted that following the assassination of key figures in Hezbollah and Hamas, Iran launched approximately 400 missiles at Israel on October 1st.
Israeli media, in recent days, have reported that the occupation government has decided to respond forcefully and significantly to Iran’s missile attacks, amidst warnings of a potential regional war.