Is Iran making headlines for a nuclear test? Social media is buzzing with rumors about Tehran possibly conducting an underground nuclear test, and while the region holds its breath, Iran is staying silent.
Some Pakistanis have taken to social media, congratulating fellow Muslims and claiming that Iran has officially joined the ranks of nuclear powers. These claims, however, are based on nothing more than speculation, with users pointing to “evidence” that is yet to be substantiated. Still, the idea of Iran’s nuclear debut has sent ripples through online discussions, even though no official word has come from Tehran.
Why its speculating?
What’s adding to the speculation? A pair of earthquakes that occurred on the night of October 5. Both Iran and Israel experienced tremors just minutes apart, prompting questions about whether these seismic events are connected to an Iranian nuclear test. The earthquake in Iran, which hit Aradan in the Semnan province, had a magnitude of 4.5, with an epicenter just 10 kilometers deep. The tremors were felt as far as Tehran, 110 kilometers away, according to the US Geological Survey.
Soon after, Israel reported its own earthquake, though much milder in intensity. With the historical tension between the two nations, it didn’t take long for people to start linking the two events, wondering if the earthquakes were actually shockwaves from a covert nuclear test in Iran.
Underground Nuclear Test in Iran Reported so far
Some reports have fueled the fire, noting that the Iranian quake occurred near a nuclear power plant. The fact that the tremor’s center was only 10 kilometers beneath the surface has led to further speculation that it might not have been a natural earthquake at all but rather an underground nuclear test.
So far, Iran hasn’t said a word, leaving people to wonder. Is this all just a coincidence, or is Tehran keeping something under wraps? Until an official statement is made, the rumors and theories will continue to swirl, keeping the Middle East—and the world—on edge.