US-Israeli strike on Karaj bridge kills eight, injures dozens as Tehran signals retaliation and lists regional targets
The escalating conflict between the United States and Iran intensified further after a strike on a major bridge in Iran’s Karaj city triggered strong reactions from both sides, alongside rising regional tensions.
US President Donald Trump shared a video on his social media platform, claiming it showed Iran’s “biggest bridge” collapsing and warning of further action. “The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again — Much more to follow! IT IS TIME FOR IRAN TO MAKE A DEAL BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE,” Trump wrote, signalling continued military pressure.
The strike targeted the B1 bridge in Karaj, which was still under construction and intended to connect Tehran with western regions. According to reports citing Iranian authorities, eight people were killed and at least 95 others injured. Many of those affected had gathered near the site to mark ‘Nature Day’.
Reacting strongly, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi criticised the targeting of civilian infrastructure. “Striking civilian structures, including unfinished bridges, will not compel Iranians to surrender. It only conveys the defeat and moral collapse of an enemy in disarray,” he said in a post on X, adding that such actions would damage America’s global standing.
Iranian diplomatic and official social media handles also condemned the attack. The country’s embassy in New Zealand described the destruction as an act of desperation, stating, “Destruction of civilian infrastructure. This is the only thing a desperate loser can do.”
In a separate development, Iran’s Consulate General in Mumbai mocked Trump’s claim of neutralising Iran’s missile capabilities, posting: “#Trump: ‘I have completely destroyed #Iran’s missile capabilities.’ Air raid sirens currently blaring across #Israel: Must be a meteor shower from Mars!”
Trump, however, continued to escalate his rhetoric, warning that further strikes could target Iran’s infrastructure. “Our Military… hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants!” he said in another post, adding that Iran must act quickly to reach a deal.
Earlier, in an address outlining US military objectives, Trump warned of severe consequences if Iran did not comply. “We’re going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks. We’re going to bring them back to the Stone Ages,” he said, while also indicating that discussions were ongoing.
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The developments come amid an ongoing military escalation that began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. The conflict has since widened, with Iran launching missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and areas hosting US-linked assets.
In a sign of potential retaliation, Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency reported that Tehran had identified several key bridges across Gulf countries and Jordan as possible targets. These include major infrastructure in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Jordan.
Officials in Iran reiterated that attacks on civilian infrastructure would not weaken the country’s resolve, even as tensions continue to rise across the region.
