Strong earthquake shakes western Iran

Washington - A strong 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck western Iran on Monday, the US Geological survey which monitors quakes worldwide reported.

The quake, with an epicentre at 36km southeast of the Iranian city of Abdanan, near the border with Iraq, struck at 02:32 GMT on Monday, the USGS reported.

The quake epicentre was recorded at a depth of 10km, the USGS said.

There were no immediate reports of damages or casualties.

Iran stands on several seismic fault lines.

In April last year, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck south-eastern Iran and neighbouring Pakistan, killing 40 people.

A massive quake in December 2003 struck the southern city of Bam, killing 26 000 people and destroying its ancient mud-built citadel.