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4.3 Magnitude Quake Hits Iran Amid Escalating US-Iran Conflict Claims

A 4.3-magnitude earthquake struck Iran's Gerash region, compounding existing regional tensions. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed its retaliatory strikes caused up to 650 US casualties, specifically targeting the US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain. The United States military reported significantly lower figures, stating only six service members were killed and 18 seriously wounded, and denied Iranian claims of striking the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. The conflicting reports from both sides could not be independently verified.

Key Points: Iran Earthquake Amid US-Iran Military Casualty Dispute

  • 4.3-magnitude quake hits Gerash, Iran
  • IRGC claims 650 US casualties in strikes
  • US reports only 6 killed, 18 wounded
  • Conflicting reports on attacks on US Navy's Fifth Fleet
  • US denies Iranian claim of hitting USS Abraham Lincoln
2 min read

4.3-magnitude quake hits Iran amid escalating Israeli offensive

A 4.3-magnitude quake strikes Iran as US and IRGC give conflicting casualty reports from retaliatory strikes in the Gulf region.

"up to 650 US soldiers were killed or wounded - IRGC Spokesperson"

Tehran, March 3

A 4.3-magnitude earthquake struck Iran's Gerash region on Tuesday, amid the escalating conflict in the Islamic Republic.

There were no immediate indications of major damage or injuries.

The quake intensified the existing regional tensions.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) released figures on US casualties during the first two days of what it described as retaliatory strikes, with the numbers differing significantly from those announced by the United States, reported local media on Tuesday.

An IRGC spokesperson said up to 650 US soldiers were killed or wounded during the first two days of the retaliation.

The spokesperson said IRGC missiles and drones struck the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet in Bahrain multiple times, and that attacks on US military bases in Bahrain resulted in 160 US casualties.

The US military said that as of 4 p.m. Monday (2100 GMT), six US service members had been killed in military operations against Iran. US media reported that 18 additional troops were seriously wounded. US officials said there have been no fatalities at US military bases in Bahrain.

The IRGC spokesperson also said a US combat support ship was heavily damaged by IRGC missiles, reiterating that four cruise missiles were fired at the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, which then "fled" southeast toward the Indian Ocean, reports Xinhua news agency.

Earlier, US Central Command formally denied claims from the IRGC that they had struck the USS Abraham Lincoln with missiles, labelling the Iranian assertions as "disinformation" and a "lie," adding that the missiles launched by Iran "didn't even come close."

The claims by both sides could not be independently verified.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
An earthquake on top of all this conflict... Mother Nature giving a warning perhaps? The region is already so unstable. This escalation is bad news for global stability and oil prices, which directly hits our economy here.
R
Rohit P
With the aircraft carrier reportedly moving towards the Indian Ocean, this suddenly feels much closer to home. Our navy needs to be on high alert. We cannot afford any spillover into our maritime zones.
S
Sarah B
The report says the claims "could not be independently verified." That's the key line. We're seeing propaganda from both sides. Media needs to be very careful not to amplify unverified claims that could inflame tensions further.
V
Vikram M
India has vital interests with both regional players and the US. Our diplomacy is being tested like never before. We must continue to advocate for dialogue and de-escalation. A full-blown war in the Gulf would be a disaster for the world.
K
Karthik V
The immediate worry for us is the safety of the large Indian diaspora in the Gulf region, especially in places like Bahrain and UAE. Hope the government has strong evacuation plans ready if things get worse.

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