An earthquake has struck close to Iran's only nuclear power plant.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the 4.9 magnitude quake struck 30 miles from Bushehr - the home of the country's nuclear programme.

It was not linked to tensions between Iran and the US, which saw Iran target US bases with ballistic missiles .

The earthquake had a depth of six miles, and is believed to have been felt in Afghanistan.

It is not known if anyone was injured in the incident - the latest in a string of earthquakes in the region.

For the latest on the US-Iran crisis, click here

(Image: USGS/HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/REX)

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

It is the second time in two weeks that an earthquake had hit the region, with a 5.1 magnitude quake on Boxing Day.

In November five people were killed and 300 injured in an earthquake 35 miles from the town of Hastrud in north-western Iran.

Today's quake happened at 2.20am GMT, just hours after a Ukranian passenger jet crashed shortly after taking off from Tehran's airport.

The flight was moving at a ground speed of 316 mph but tracking stopped six minutes after takeoff.

Distressing footage released by ISNA news agency in Iran appeared to show the plane bursting into flames before it hit the ground.

Rescue teams were dispatched to the site but state television has said that all people on board the flight were killed.