The U.S. Geological Survey reports an earthquake with a magnitude 6.3 has struck 89 kilometers southeast of the Iranian city of Bushehr.

The country’s only nuclear power station is based in the area.

Iran state media have so far reported three fatalities. The region is about 90 kilometres from the site of Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Plant.

Reuters reports the force of the quake could be felt across the Gulf in Dubai.

In January, the Bushehr nuclear power station was linked to the national energy grid at full capacity after having been taken offline for two months.

The head of the country’s Atomic Energy Organization said at the time that the shutdown was “needed to check the fuel and the reactor.”

The plant’s first unit was brought to full capacity in August 2012 after several delays.

With reporting by Reuters
By RFE/RL
April 09, 2013