Iran has released a list of eight major bridges across the Gulf and Jordan, signalling potential retaliatory targets following a deadly strike on a bridge near Karaj. The list was released on Thursday by Fars News Agency, a semi-official outlet closely linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The development came hours after a powerful airstrike destroyed parts of the B1 bridge near Karaj, marking the first time a civilian structure has been targeted by the United States since the conflict began on Februaary 28. Track US-Iran war live updates
At least eight civilians were killed in the strike, according to an Associated Press report. Iran’s state media, citing authorities in Alborz province, said 95 others were injured. Many of them had gathered under the bridge and along the riverbank to celebrate “Nature Day” when the attack took place.
The B1 bridge, a newly constructed structure connecting Tehran and Karaj, was scheduled to open later this year.
‘Iran’s hit-list’
Fars reported that several bridges across Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Jordan have been identified as potential targets for Iranian military operations, in retaliation for the US-Israeli attack on the B1 bridge in Karaj.
The bridges named include Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Bridge in Kuwait, King Fahd Causeway linking Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Sheikh Zayed Bridge and Al Maqta Bridge in the UAE, as well as King Hussein Bridge, Damia Bridge, Sheikh Khalifa Bridge and Abdoun Bridge in Jordan.
Trump warns of further strikes
US President Donald Trump on Thursday signalled a possible escalation, warning of further strikes on Iran. He had earlier posted a video purportedly showing the bombing of the Karaj bridge.
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“The US military hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants,” Trump wrote on social media, adding that Iran’s leadership “knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST!”
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi, meanwhile, strongly criticised the strike, saying, “Striking civilian structures, including unfinished bridges, will not compel Iranians to surrender.”
He further added: “It only conveys the defeat and moral collapse of an enemy in disarray. Every bridge and building will be built back stronger. What will never recover: damage to America’s standing.”
Iran’s embassy in New Zealand also shared visuals of the collapsed bridge, writing: “Destruction of civilian infrastructure. This is the only thing a desperate loser can do.”
Escalation continues across the Gulf
Even as tensions rise, attacks and countermeasures continue across the region.
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said its Mina al-Ahmadi refinery was hit by drones, triggering fires at operational units, though no injuries were reported. Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry, meanwhile, said its air defences intercepted seven drones in recent hours.
Iran also claimed that its air defences shot down a second US F-35 fighter jet over central Iran, with a spokesperson saying the chances of pilot survival were low. There was no immediate response from the United States on this claim.
