Recent earthquakes near Tehran
Tehran sits at the foot of the Alborz Mountains, crossed by several major active faults including the Mosha and North Tehran faults, within Iran's Arabia-Eurasia collision zone. Historical earthquakes have destroyed settlements in the region, and the faults beneath the modern megacity have not ruptured in a large event for well over a century. Seismologists regard its hazard as significant. In the past 24 hours, Tehran has recorded no earthquakes above the reporting threshold.
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tehran at risk of a major earthquake?
Yes. Several active faults, including the North Tehran and Mosha faults, run through or near the metropolitan area. Long intervals since their last major ruptures, combined with a population of over 8 million, make Tehran a focus of seismic-risk studies.
Has Tehran had big earthquakes before?
The Tehran region has been struck by destructive earthquakes in the past, including events in 855, 958, and 1830 that damaged settlements near the modern city. The current urban area has not experienced such a rupture directly in modern times.
Why is Tehran's earthquake risk a concern?
Tehran combines active nearby faults, long strain accumulation, dense population, and many older buildings. This mix is why Iranian and international scientists model the potential impact of a large earthquake beneath the capital.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.