Iran's Taftan Volcano Shows Activity After 700,000 Years, Triggers Monitoring Alerts

Iran's Taftan volcano, long considered extinct, is showing significant signs of renewed activity for the first time in approximately 700,000 years, prompting reclassification to dormant and raising regional safety concerns. Satellite data from mid-2023 to mid-2024 reveal an uplift of roughly 3.5 to 4 inches near the summit, indicating a buildup of gas, magma, or hot fluids beneath the surface, accompanied by increased emissions of toxic gases such as sulfur dioxide. Researchers warn that this ongoing pressurization could eventually lead to an eruption, either violent or more gradual, and have issued a wake-up call for local authorities to enhance monitoring and preparedness, especially given the volcano's remoteness and proximity to populated areas like Zahedan. Although scientists emphasize there is no immediate eruption risk, the potential impact on nearby settlements, agriculture, and air travel underscores the need for vigilance and emergency readiness. The volcano's location near the tectonic boundary where the Arabian Sea plate subducts beneath the Eurasian continental crust contributes to its geological activity, and the lack of extensive on-site monitoring infrastructure means reliance on satellite observations is critical. Local residents have been advised to stay alert and prepare for possible emergency measures as the situation evolves.