In a striking escalation of tensions, Iran has released a list of eight major bridges across the Middle East that could become targets in retaliation for recent US-Israeli strikes. The announcement, carried by the semi-official Fars News Agency, follows an attack that partially destroyed the B1 bridge in Karaj. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is implied to be responsible for any future strikes, signaling a potential tit-for-tat response to the ongoing conflict.
Bridges highlighted across Gulf and Jordanย
The Iranian list includes prominent infrastructure in the Gulf and Jordan:
- Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Sea Bridge, Kuwait
- Sheikh Zayed Bridge, UAE
- Al Maqta Bridge, UAE
- Sheikh Khalifa Bridge, UAE
- King Fahd Causeway (Saudi ArabiaโBahrain)
- King Hussein Bridge, Jordan
- Damia Bridge, Jordan
- Abdoun Bridge, Jordan
These listings, reported by Anadolu, suggest that Iran is considering key transport and economic hubs in the region as potential points of leverage.
Destruction of Iranโs B1 bridgeย
The B1 bridge, Iranโs tallest at 136 metres, was still under construction and intended to connect Tehran with western Karaj. Thursdayโs strike partially destroyed the structure, leaving several injured.
Ghodratollah Seif confirmed eight fatalities and 95 injuries, as reported by state TV and Fars News Agency. Social media videos showed large sections of the bridge collapsing.
US President Donald Trump shared footage of smoke rising from the bridge and warned of further destruction if Iran does not negotiate. โThe biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again much more to follow!โ he wrote.
Iran condemns attacksย
Abbas Araghchi condemned the strike on civilian and unfinished structures, posting on X that such actions will not force Iran to surrender. โIt only conveys the defeat and moral collapse of an enemy in disarray,โ he said.