Iran Names 8 Gulf, Jordan Bridges as Possible Targets After Deadly Karaj Strike

Iran has publicly identified eight major bridges across the Gulf region and Jordan as potential targets, in what appears to be a direct warning of retaliation after a deadly strike on the B1 bridge near Karaj. The list was published on Thursday by Fars News Agency, a semi-official outlet widely seen as being close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as tensions between Iran and the United States continue to spiral following weeks of conflict.

Civilian bridge strike near Karaj leaves casualties

The warning from Tehran came just hours after a powerful airstrike severely damaged the B1 bridge near Karaj, in what is being described as the first instance of the United States targeting a civilian structure since the conflict with Iran began on February 28.

According to an Associated Press report, at least eight civilians were killed in the attack. Iran's state media, quoting authorities in Alborz province, said another 95 people were injured. Many of those caught in the blast had reportedly gathered beneath the bridge and along the nearby riverbank for "Nature Day" celebrations when the strike took place.

The B1 bridge, a newly built structure designed to connect Tehran and Karaj, had been expected to open later this year.

Fars publishes what it calls Iran's potential retaliation list

In the aftermath of the Karaj strike, Fars News Agency reported that multiple bridges in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Jordan had been marked as possible targets for Iranian military action.

The report said the bridges were identified in response to what it described as the US-Israeli attack on the B1 bridge.

Among the structures named were the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Bridge in Kuwait and the King Fahd Causeway connecting Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. In the UAE, the report listed the Sheikh Zayed Bridge and Al Maqta Bridge. In Jordan, the bridges named were the King Hussein Bridge, Damia Bridge, Sheikh Khalifa Bridge and Abdoun Bridge.

The publication of the list has added to fears that the conflict could widen further across the Gulf, especially as critical transport and civilian infrastructure are increasingly being drawn into the confrontation.

Trump hints at wider strikes, Iran condemns attack

US President Donald Trump on Thursday indicated that more attacks could follow, suggesting that American military operations against Iran may intensify in the coming days.

He had earlier shared a video on social media that purportedly showed the bombing of the Karaj bridge. In a later post, Trump wrote, "The US military hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants," before adding that Iran's leadership "knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST!"

Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araqchi strongly condemned the bridge strike and rejected any suggestion that such attacks would pressure Tehran into backing down.

"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 circulated images of the collapsed structure and posted a sharply worded message online, saying: "Destruction of civilian infrastructure. This is the only thing a desperate loser can do."

Gulf tensions deepen as strikes and countermeasures continue

The latest bridge strike unfolded against the backdrop of continuing military activity across the region, with both attacks and defensive responses reported in several Gulf states.

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said drones struck its Mina al-Ahmadi refinery, sparking fires in operational units. The company said there were no reported injuries despite the damage.

In Saudi Arabia, the defence ministry said its air defence systems intercepted seven drones over the past several hours, highlighting the growing intensity of aerial threats across the region.

Iran also claimed that its air defences had shot down a second US F-35 fighter jet over central Iran. A spokesperson said the chances of the pilot surviving were low. The United States did not immediately respond to the claim.

With Iran now publicly naming infrastructure beyond its borders and Washington signalling that more strikes may be on the table, the risk of the conflict spreading into a broader regional confrontation appears to be increasing sharply.