‘This has got me worried’: Iranians fear what comes next after US strike on Karaj bridge
This has got me worried: Iranians fear what comes next after US strike on Karaj bridge
US warns Iran of more attacks following Karaj bridge bombing
President Donald Trump issued a warning to Iran, threatening further strikes on bridges and power plants unless its leaders accept his conditions to end the conflict. The warning came after a bombing in Karaj, a city west of Tehran, killed eight individuals and injured nearly 100. The attack targeted the B1 suspension bridge, which was under construction, during the 13th day of Nowruz celebrations. Many had gathered for picnics near the site when the US warplanes launched two strikes.
“Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST!”
Iranian officials respond to US actions
Abram Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, dismissed the strikes as symbolic, stating on X that targeting civilian structures like unfinished bridges would not force Iranians to yield. He argued the attack demonstrated the “defeat and moral collapse of an enemy in disarray” and claimed the strike damaged America’s global reputation. Araghchi also questioned Trump’s promise to bomb Iran “back to the stone ages,” asking if the president was certain he wanted to “turn back the clock” to a time before Middle Eastern oil production.
Internet blackout complicates communication
The internet blackout in Iran, now in its 35th day, has made it hard to reach people within the country. Still, some have managed to connect through satellite systems like Starlink, though access comes at a steep price. Possessing Starlink can result in up to two years of imprisonment. All those who spoke to BBC Persian were critical of the current government.
“I feel helpless. [Trump] posts shamelessly about attacking our bridge. I don’t know how much further this is going to go,” said a woman in her 20s in Tehran. She broke down during the message, expressing uncertainty about the next targets. “Why is no-one standing up to him? He’s really taking us back to the Stone Age.”
Residents express concern and confusion
A Tehran resident in his 20s voiced fears of a ruined nation, stating he felt more “disappointed and saddened” than alarmed. “I see Iran being destroyed and I can’t do anything,” he said. “My country is being destroyed more and more every day.” Another local, who described himself as “pro-war,” admitted being surprised by the bridge strike. “That bridge could have reduced traffic in the city… it was destroyed in the second strike. This strike has got me worried. I don’t know why they hit it,” he added.
“I was really surprised that they hit a bridge… but I think they must have a reason for it,” said a woman in her 40s in Tehran, who supports the US-Israeli military campaign.
Social media backlash against US and Israel
The Karaj strike and Trump’s comments drew condemnation from hardline, pro-establishment Iranians on social media. Some called for retaliation by attacking US bases in neighboring countries. Others viewed the attack as evidence that the US and Israel aim to “destroy Iran” rather than just its military infrastructure. Despite the blackout, the BBC reports that certain officials, users, and journalists still have internet access.
