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topicnews · October 7, 2024

Earthquakes in Iran and Israel fuel theories of covert nuclear testing

Earthquakes in Iran and Israel fuel theories of covert nuclear testing

On the evening of October 5, a moderate earthquake struck both Iran and Israel, sparking intense speculation about the cause. The magnitude 4.6 earthquake had its epicenter in Aradan, Semnan province, at a shallow depth of only 10 km. According to the US Geological Survey, the tremors were felt as far away as Tehran, about 110 km from the epicenter, around 10:45 p.m. local time.

Just minutes after the first quake, a second, weaker quake was reported in Israel around midnight, further fueling concerns and theories about the nature of these seismic events. The unusual timing of both events, as well as ongoing tensions between the two nations, led to speculation on social media that a covert nuclear test was underway.

One X user speculated: “Iran has gone nuclear since last night. They deployed the test bombs 10 km below the surface near Semnan to ensure minimal radiation exposure, and a magnitude 4.6 earthquake occurred, recorded by seismographs.”

Another user wrote: “This earthquake in Iran really scared Israel.” They are ranting about whether they will attack Iran. Looks like the secret is having nuclear weapons. No country will take on a nuclear power.”

“Iran first demonstrated its ability to deliver a warhead anywhere with pinpoint precision, and then came this desert earthquake that looks more and more like a nuclear test,” one comment said.

Another post said: “Yesterday #Iran was hit by a 4.5 magnitude earthquake. According to rumors it was a nuclear test. In February 2013, an earthquake in North Korea turned out to be a nuclear test. An earthquake in Iran in November 2017 was also called the N test. Iran is capable of collecting enough fissile material within a week. What is reality?”

While underground nuclear tests can produce seismic activity, the details of this event raise questions. Iran’s nuclear sites such as Natanz are fortified deep underground, indicating the capability for such operations. However, the earthquake’s shallow depth and magnitude do not necessarily indicate a nuclear test, as it is difficult to contain an underground explosion without destroying the surface.

However, the current political climate has heightened fears about Iran’s advancing nuclear capabilities. Following the assassination of key Hezbollah and Hamas figures, Iran fired around 400 rockets into Israel on October 1st.

Since Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, the Jewish state’s airstrikes have killed over 42,000 Palestinians and internally displaced almost the entire Gaza Strip population. In addition to Gaza, Israel has also attacked parts of southern Lebanon, killing 2,000 people and forcing thousands to flee for safety. Despite the growing humanitarian crisis, the government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, backed by the United States, shows no signs of reducing its military actions.


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