Tehran: A magnitude 4.3 earthquake struck the Gerash region in southern Iran on Tuesday, compounding tensions in a country already reeling from sustained US and Israeli military strikes. There were no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties from the tremor, according to local authorities.
The shallow quake was recorded amid continuing aerial bombardments targeting Iranian military infrastructure. Emergency services in the Gerash area conducted precautionary inspections, but officials said there was no indication that the earthquake had caused structural damage.
Strike on Kerman Air Base
The tremor came as intensified airstrikes were reported across various parts of the country. Local media outlets, including the semi-official Tasnim news agency and the Hamshahri daily, reported that at least 13 Iranian troops were killed in a strike on Kerman Air Base, located approximately 800 kilometres southeast of Tehran.
The base, which reportedly houses military helicopters and logistical units, was described as a key installation in Iran’s southern defence network. Iranian authorities have not released a comprehensive casualty figure, but state-linked outlets confirmed fatalities among military personnel.
The strikes form part of a broader campaign launched by Israel and the United States over the weekend. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that the campaign against Iran could take “some time” but would not stretch into years, indicating a potentially extended operation focused on strategic objectives rather than long-term occupation.
Israeli military stance
Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesperson, told reporters that Israel had prepared for a campaign lasting several weeks. However, he downplayed the likelihood of ground troop deployment.
“I don’t think that’s something very likely at the moment for Israeli forces. There’s not a practical idea at the moment that I know of,” he said, suggesting that air and missile strikes would remain the primary mode of operation.
Israel has maintained that its actions are aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities and countering what it describes as direct threats to its national security.
US war objectives remain open-ended
On the US side, President Donald Trump, who authorised joint strikes with Israel on Iranian targets, initially projected that operations could last four to five weeks. However, subsequent statements have broadened the rationale for continued action.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that “the hardest hits are yet to come from the US military,” adding that Washington could achieve its objectives without deploying ground forces.
“Right now we are not postured for ground forces,” Rubio said, while emphasising that such an option remains available if deemed necessary.
US officials have stated that a key goal of the operation is to degrade Iran’s ballistic missile infrastructure and limit its capacity to conduct retaliatory attacks.
Region-wide retaliations
The conflict has expanded beyond Iran’s borders, drawing in several countries across West Asia. On Tuesday, two drones, reportedly launched from Iran, struck the US Embassy compound in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, causing minor damage and a small fire, according to the Saudi Defence Ministry. At least eight additional drones were intercepted before reaching the city.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that its naval forces had targeted the main command building and headquarters of a US air base in Bahrain. In a statement, the IRGC asserted that 20 drones and three missiles had struck intended targets in the Sheikh Isa area. Independent verification of the claim was not immediately available.
Civilian and military casualties mount
The toll of the widening conflict has been significant. Reports from local and international media indicate that hundreds of civilians have been killed across Iran, Israel, Lebanon and neighbouring countries since hostilities began.
Iranian missile strikes have reportedly hit populated areas in Israel, while Israeli bombardments have targeted Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. Six US service members were killed in retaliatory attacks in Kuwait, US military officials confirmed.
Hezbollah’s involvement has further widened the war into Lebanon, with Israeli forces conducting strikes in Beirut and southern districts. Iranian-linked militia groups in Iraq have also claimed responsibility for attacks on US military facilities.
Nuclear infrastructure concerns
Satellite imagery reviewed by independent analysts suggests what could be the first known strikes on Iranian nuclear-related infrastructure since the outbreak of hostilities. However, neither Israel nor the United States has officially confirmed targeting such sites.
Tehran has consistently maintained that it does not seek to develop nuclear weapons and has condemned the joint assault as unprovoked. Iranian officials have argued that the strikes undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts, particularly at a time when negotiations with Washington over a potential nuclear accord were reportedly underway.
Conclusion
As military operations continue and regional actors become increasingly involved, the situation in Iran remains volatile. The earthquake in Gerash, though not destructive, underscores the strain facing the country amid sustained aerial bombardments and mounting casualties. With both Washington and Tel Aviv signalling that operations may continue for weeks, the prospect of further escalation across West Asia remains a serious concern.