For hundreds of thousands of years, Iran’s Taftan volcano has slept quietly under the desert skies. Now, new scientific research suggests that this ancient giant may be waking up — and that has caught the attention of volcanologists around the world.
A Volcano Long Thought to Be Extinct
Mount Taftan rises over 13,000 feet (about 4,000 meters) above the deserts of southeastern Iran, near the border with Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is part of a volcanic chain created by the collision of the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
For centuries, local people have seen steam rising from its slopes and smelled the sharp odor of sulfur in the air. But scientists believed those were just remnants of old geothermal activity — not signs of a living volcano. The last known eruption is estimated to have happened around 700,000 years ago, leading experts to label Taftan as dormant or even extinct.
That assumption, however, may need to change.
New Research Reveals Unusual Activity
A recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters has revealed measurable signs of unrest beneath Mount Taftan. Using satellite radar data, scientists detected that the summit of the volcano rose by nearly 9 centimeters (3.5 inches) between July 2023 and May 2024.
This kind of uplift usually indicates that magma or gas is building up beneath the surface, gently pushing the ground upward. According to researchers, such changes are often the first clues that a dormant volcano could be reawakening.
Dr. Marco Bagnardi, one of the study’s authors, explained that while the uplift is small, it is statistically significant. “We’re not saying Taftan is about to erupt,” he noted, “but the data shows that the volcano is not dead. It’s breathing.”
Local Signs Match the Science
Beyond satellite evidence, people living near Taftan have reported other hints of renewed activity. Residents have noticed strong sulfur smells, warm ground in certain areas, and increased gas emissions visible from as far as 50 kilometers away.
These emissions come from fumaroles — vents that release volcanic gases like sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide. While fumaroles have been part of Taftan’s landscape for generations, scientists say their recent intensity may indicate new magma moving closer to the surface.
What This Means for the Region
Iran is home to several volcanoes, but Taftan is among the largest and least studied. Its remote location, harsh climate, and limited access make monitoring difficult.
If Taftan were to become active again, it could pose risks to nearby towns and trade routes that connect Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. However, researchers emphasize that there is no immediate danger and no evidence of an impending eruption.
Instead, the findings highlight the need for better monitoring infrastructure. Continuous GPS, gas sensors, and seismic stations could provide early warnings if activity increases. At the moment, there are very few such systems in place in eastern Iran.
Why Dormant Volcanoes Still Matter
Volcanoes that have been quiet for thousands or even millions of years can still surprise us. In 2021, the Cumbre Vieja volcano in Spain’s Canary Islands erupted after lying dormant for 50 years. In 2010, Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull erupted after 200 years of silence, disrupting global air travel.
The Taftan discovery serves as a reminder that Earth’s surface is constantly changing, and no volcano should be considered permanently dead. Even a small change in underground pressure or temperature can awaken a sleeping system.
Looking Ahead
Scientists are now urging Iran’s geological agencies to invest in long-term observation of Taftan. Future research will focus on determining whether the current uplift is caused by rising magma, gas movement, or hydrothermal changes underground.
For the people living in Taftan’s shadow, the discovery brings both curiosity and caution. It’s a powerful reminder that beneath the still mountains of Iran, the planet’s fiery heart continues to pulse.
Whether Taftan erupts again in the near future or simply exhales a little more steam, one thing is certain: this ancient volcano has reclaimed its place among the world’s active geological wonders.
Sources:
Geophysical Research Letters (October 2025)
LiveScience
New York Post
ABC News