A map highlighting some of the most powerful earthquakes to hit Iran

Major earthquakes to strike Iran in recent decades:

• Related article: More than 400 dead from earthquake in Iran-Iraq border area

Aug. 11, 2012: Iran's East Azerbaijan province, magnitude 6.4; Over 300 killed.

Dec. 26, 2003: Southeastern Iran, Bam, magnitude 6.5; Over 26,000 killed.

Feb. 28, 1997: Northwest Iran, Ardabil, magnitude 6.1; Over 1,100 killed.

May 10, 1997: Eastern Iran, Birjand-Qaen, magnitude 7.3; Over 1,560 killed.

June 21, 1990: Northwest Iran, Roubar, magnitude 7.4; 50,000 killed.

July 28, 1981: Southeast Iran, Sirch district, magnitude 7.3; 1,500 killed.

Sept. 16, 1978: Northeast Iran, Tabas town, magnitude 7.7; 25,000 killed.

April 10, 1972: Southern Iran, Qir district, magnitude 6.9; Over 4,000 killed.

Aug. 31, 1968: Northeastern Iran, Dasht-e Bayaz district, magnitude 7. 1; Over 10,000 killed.

Sept. 1, 1962: Northern Iran, Buin Zahra town, magnitude 7.1; Over 12,000 killed.

Dec. 13, 1957: Farsinaj district, magnitude 7.1; Over 1,100 killed.

June 2, 1957: Northern Iran, Bandpay district, magnitude 7; Over 1,500 killed.

Earthquake icon created by Bryn Taylor from Noun Project