A relatively strong quake measuring 4.0 on the Richter scale jolted Parsian district in the southern province of Hormozgan on Saturday, Irna reported.

The tremor struck the provinces' western parts at 20:04:47 local time (16:34 GMT).

There were no immediate reports of any casualties or material damage. Earlier, two minor quakes hit the area around 17 hours which frightened the local people.

Iran is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, being crossed by several major faultiness that cover at least 90% of the country. As a result, earthquakes in Iran occur often and are destructive.

The Iranian plateau is subject to most types of tectonic activity, including active folding, faulting and volcanic eruptions.

It is well known for its long history of disastrous earthquakes. Earthquakes killed thousands, and destroyed valuable natural resources.

Since 1900, at least 126,000 fatalities have resulted from earthquakes in Iran.

By IRNA