Strike on a key Iran bridge raises concerns over infrastructure targeting, while Tehran signals retaliation and global leaders call for de-escalation amid rising regional tensions.
(Left) Visuals shared by Iranian state media show smoke near the Karaj bridge after the strike; (Right) US President Donald Trump. (Images via ANI: Iranian State Media, Reuters)
At least eight people were killed and 95 others injured when US-Israeli strikes hit a key bridge near Karaj, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV said. The B1 bridge is located just outside Tehran. Albeit the bridge was the main target, yet those living and travelling nearby were also affected.
The attack comes as the conflict enters its second month, with Iran maintaining that the war was forced upon it by the US and Israel. The latest strike has added to growing civilian losses and damage to critical infrastructure across the country.
Advertisement
According to Press TV, those killed included travellers and villagers who were close to the bridge when it was hit. Several families were also in the area to mark Nature Day, a public holiday when many people spend time outdoors.
Advertisement
US President Donald Trump claimed the attack had destroyed what he described as Iran’s “biggest bridge,” warning that further strikes could follow. In a post on social media, he urged Tehran to reach a deal “before it is too late,” without naming the structure.
‘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, AND THERE IS NOTHING LEFT OF WHAT STILL COULD BECOME A GREAT COUNTRY,’ Trump said on Truth Social. He also shared a video of the strike.
Iranian officials identified the target as the B1 bridge, also known as the Tehran-Karaj bridge, located around 40 km from the capital. The structure, part of the Karaj Northern Bypass project, was expected to significantly cut travel time between Tehran and Karaj once completed.
President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran would defend itself using all available means against what he called American and Israeli aggression. He made the remarks during a phone call with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
Pezeshkian said Iran had been engaged in indirect talks with the United States when the strikes began. He also pointed to damage to key facilities, including industrial sites, schools and hospitals.
Aliyev expressed concern over the impact of the conflict on regional stability and called for an early return to peace. Both leaders also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between Tehran and Baku.
In parallel, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Teresa Lazaro. Araghchi said Iran’s moves to restrict vessels linked to its adversaries in the Strait of Hormuz were in line with international law and aimed at preventing further attacks.
He added that non-hostile ships were still being allowed safe passage through coordination with Iranian authorities.
Press TV reported that Iran has blamed US and Israeli actions for instability in the region and along the strategic waterway. The Filipino official offered condolences over recent deaths and called for an immediate end to hostilities.
Iranian health authorities say more than 2,000 people, including women and children, have been killed across the country since the fighting began.
Advertisement
