According to data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), 16 tremors exceeding magnitude 2.5 have occurred close to Nevada's Tonopah Test Range - often referred to as "Area 52," a Daily Mail report says.

The site lies near the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), a remote military zone linked to experimental aircraft development and nuclear weapons research.

Over the past week, researchers have recorded more than 100 seismic events within a 50-mile radius of the Tonopah facility. These incidents have varied in intensity, from minor vibrations measuring between magnitude 1.0 and 1.9 to slightly stronger quakes above 3.0, which could be noticeable to people in the immediate area. The surge in seismic activity near the former nuclear testing grounds comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions, as the US carries out a large-scale bombing operation targeting Iran.

Quake hits Iran

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. However, speculation is rife about if the nuclear testing triggered the tremors.

The earthquake occurred near the Khonj area of the Gerash region, which is in the southern part of Iran. The epicentre was located about 52 kilometres northwest of Gerash city, located in Iran's Fars province. The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres.

However, many have speculated about the timing of the quake. Some have indicated that the quake could be the result of a secret underground nuclear test.

But experts have dismissed such claims, saying that the scientific evidence to back the claim is lacking. According to media reports, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) has said that the pattern of seismic waves produced by nuclear tests is distinct and unlike those produced by natural quakes.