By Pishtaz | 2025-08-28

Iran, one of the world’s most seismically active countries, was rattled by 123 earthquakes in just one week between July 19 and July 25, according to the seismological networks of the Institute of Geophysics at the University of Tehran.

The quakes ranged from minor tremors below magnitude 3 to a more serious magnitude 5.1 event on July 20, shaking provinces nationwide and underscoring the constant threat faced by millions of Iranians each year.

Among the hardest-hit areas, Semnan Province recorded the highest number of quakes -- 24 in total -- followed by Khorasan Razavi (16) and Isfahan (12).

The clustering of these events highlighted the vulnerability of regions located along Iran’s many active fault lines.

Semnan at the center

Semnan became the week’s seismic focal point.

While most of the quakes were small and passed largely unnoticed, the magnitude 5.1 quake reverberated across the province, shaking homes and sparking widespread concern.

Though there were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties, the psychological toll on residents was significant, particularly in communities with aging infrastructure.

Adding to the unease, Semnan had already endured other notable tremors earlier in the month, including a magnitude 4.7 near Shahrud on July 15 and a magnitude 4.6 on July 18.

Persistent national risk

Iran’s seismic instability is rooted in its geography.

The country sits atop several active fault systems where the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide, making earthquakes a frequent and often deadly reality.

Past disasters, such as the 2003 Bam earthquake, which killed more than 25,000 people, and the 2017 Kermanshah earthquake, which left over 600 dead, serve as stark reminders of the stakes.

Experts stress that even moderate quakes can be dangerous, particularly in rural areas where older buildings are not designed to withstand seismic activity.

Urban expansion, uneven infrastructure quality, and population density further amplify the risks.

July’s seismic surge, particularly in Semnan, highlights the urgent need for stronger construction standards, improved monitoring systems, and continuous public education.

Seismologists warn that while large earthquakes cannot be predicted with precision, preparation and resilience planning can dramatically reduce their impact.

For millions of Iranians living in earthquake-prone zones, last week’s tremors were yet another reminder that seismic risk is not a distant possibility, but a constant presence woven into daily life.