'This has got me worried': Iranians fear what comes next after US strike on Karaj bridge

Following a reported US strike on a bridge in Karaj, Iran, which allegedly killed eight and injured nearly 100, concerns are rising among Iranians about potential future attacks. The B1 bridge was bombed on Thursday during the Nowruz holidays. Former US President Trump warned of further strikes on Iranian infrastructure if Iran doesn't agree to his terms. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi condemned the attack, stating it wouldn't force Iran to surrender and reflected America's moral defeat. Despite an ongoing internet blackout imposed by Iranian authorities, some citizens are expressing fear and helplessness, worrying about the country's future amid escalating tensions.

US President Donald Trump claimed the destruction of Iran's tallest bridge, the B1 bridge in Karaj, Alborz province, following threats to bomb the country. The strike, according to Iranian state media, resulted in eight deaths and 95 injuries. Trump posted footage of the damaged bridge online, warning of further destruction if Iran doesn't negotiate an end to the ongoing five-week war. He urged Iran to make a deal before further losses. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that striking civilian infrastructure would not force Iran to surrender. Independent verification of the strike's details is currently limited due to reporting restrictions.

Iran's tallest bridge, the B1 highway bridge near Tehran, collapsed following reports of U.S. airstrikes, according to President Trump. The strike, reportedly aimed at disrupting drone and missile supply lines, resulted in civilian casualties. Trump urged Iran to negotiate a deal to avoid further escalation. Iranian state TV reported the bridge was struck twice and warned of retaliation, claiming the military identified bridges in American-allied Middle Eastern nations as potential targets. These nations include Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and the Jordan-West Bank region. Iran is reportedly considering plans to rebuild the bridge.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the American public in an unusual open letter on Wednesday, criticizing the US's actions against Iran. He described the conflict as costly and futile for the United States, arguing that confrontation is less beneficial than peace. Pezeshkian highlighted Iran's historical resilience against aggressors, suggesting the US's approach is misguided. He questioned the benefits of the conflict for the American people and the justification for it, implying there was no real threat from Iran. The letter is seen as an attempt to influence US public opinion and indirectly push for de-escalation.

In an open letter to the American public, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian questioned the benefits of the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran. Published on April 1, 2026, the letter urges Americans to critically examine whose interests are being served by the conflict. Pezeshkian refuted portrayals of Iran as a threat, citing previous attacks during nuclear negotiations and emphasizing the detrimental effects of targeting Iranian infrastructure. He argued that such actions constitute war crimes, destabilize the region, and damage the United States' global standing. The letter was released shortly after President Trump threatened further military action against Iran if the Strait of Hormuz remained closed.

Donald Trump has expressed interest in seizing Iranian oil, specifically targeting Kharg Island, a key export hub. This statement, made amidst ongoing conflict between the US and Iran, has drawn criticism and raised questions about the true motives behind the war. Experts suggest Trump's desire reflects a belief in "fossil-fuel imperialism," where the US is entitled to resources it desires. Trump has threatened to obliterate Iran's energy infrastructure, including Kharg Island, if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened and a peace deal reached quickly. Iran has attacked a crude oil tanker anchored at Dubai port. Trump is expected to provide an update on the Iran war on Wednesday.

Analysts suggest that Donald Trump's plan to seize Iran's Kharg Island, a crucial oil hub handling 90% of Iran's crude shipments, carries significant risks due to its strategic location in the Persian Gulf. Kharg Island is located 33km off the Iranian mainland, placing it within range of Iranian missiles and drones, and 660km from the Strait of Hormuz. The Trump administration is considering this action to pressure Iran into reopening the Strait, which has been effectively shut in response to US-Israeli strikes that began on February 28. Trump's recent speech hinted at further strikes and the nearing completion of "Operation Epic Fury," raising concerns about a potential US seizure of Kharg Island amidst increasing American troop presence in the region. Trump has repeatedly threatened to seize the island since the start of the US-Israeli military campaign.

One month after the US and Israel began military operations against Iran on February 28, 2026, Yemen's Houthi rebels have opened a new front by attacking Israel. The Houthis launched missile and drone attacks on Israel, which were reportedly intercepted, pledging further action in support of allies. This escalation raises concerns about the conflict spiraling out of control, as Iran has already disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The Houthis' involvement also threatens to disrupt Red Sea traffic via the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, potentially impacting Israeli trade. The US anticipates concluding its military operations against Iran within weeks, even as further deployments arrive in the region.

Chinese analysts believe the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, now in its second month, is unlikely to be prolonged despite escalating tensions. The conflict has expanded geographically, with Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen firing missiles at Israel, one of which was intercepted. The Houthis operate near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical shipping lane for Eurasian trade. Analysts warn that Houthi obstruction of this strait could significantly impact the global economy and potentially cause another increase in oil prices, which have already risen. The Houthi missile attack was reportedly issued as a warning.

Recent reports indicate heightened tensions in the Middle East, with explosions reported in Tehran. Yemen's Houthis are reportedly increasing the risk of war with Iran. According to Iranian state media, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the U.S. is secretly planning a ground attack while publicly expressing diplomatic intentions. Ghalibaf, a former IRGC commander, believes Iran is in a major world war and must prepare for a difficult path. The IDF claims to have conducted airstrikes across Tehran, targeting Iranian command centers and weapons sites. A report indicates that US and Israeli airstrikes in Iran between February 28 and March 23 resulted in at least 1,443 civilian deaths, including at least 217 children.

Experts warn that President Trump's threat to seize Iran's Kharg Island, the hub of 90% of its oil exports, carries significant risks. Military analysts suggest a naval blockade might be a better option to pressure Iran. Seizing the island could escalate the ongoing conflict, prompting retaliation from Iran and its proxies, potentially disrupting global energy supplies. Experts highlight the difficulty of securing and holding the island, which is close to the Iranian mainland and vulnerable to attack. While Trump faces pressure to end the month-long conflict, analysts caution that seizing Kharg Island may not force Iran to capitulate and could endanger American troops.

European officials report that Iran is pressuring the Houthi rebels in Yemen to prepare for renewed attacks on Red Sea shipping. This action is reportedly contingent on further escalation by the US against Iran. Houthi leaders are considering more aggressive actions after launching ballistic missiles at Israel. Internal divisions exist within the Houthi leadership regarding the extent of aggression. While the Houthis announced they would continue military operations until US-Israeli attacks on Iran and its proxies cease, they did not explicitly state they would target Red Sea vessels. US and Saudi Arabian officials believe the Houthis currently aim to avoid further escalation and attacks on American and Saudi assets.

Donald Trump threatened to "obliterate" Iran's energy grid and water plants if a ceasefire is not reached "shortly" in the ongoing conflict instigated by the US and Israel. This threat, made via social media, includes targeting Kharg Island, a major oil export facility. Trump claims to be in "serious discussions" with a "more reasonable regime" in Tehran to reach a deal, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has described US peace proposals as "excessive" and acknowledged receiving a 15-point proposal from the Trump administration after talks with other nations. The White House indicated Trump would seek financial assistance from Arab countries to cover the war costs, while also expressing a preference to "take the oil in Iran," potentially requiring a US troop seizure of Kharg Island.

As Donald Trump plans a trip to China in May, a surge in US troops in the Middle East suggests a potential for a drawn-out, low-intensity conflict with Iran. Recent reports indicate the US has deployed several hundred Army Rangers and Navy Seals to the region, bringing the total number of American troops to over 50,000. This deployment provides Trump with military options, such as securing the Strait of Hormuz, seizing Kharg Island, or extracting enriched uranium from Iran. Analysts believe a full-scale US ground invasion of Iran is unlikely, suggesting the US is trying to avoid a costly, protracted war. The troop increase and potential actions are viewed in the context of Trump's upcoming visit to China.

The article discusses concerns in China that President Trump's war with Iran is creating divisions within the Republican Party and among his supporters, potentially harming the party's midterm election prospects. Conflicting messages from Trump and his administration regarding the war's progress and potential peace deals are causing uncertainty. Despite Trump's claims of progress, the White House has also threatened further action against Iran. The risk of escalation remains high, with the US military increasing its troop presence in the Middle East and reportedly planning further operations. These developments raise questions about the war's trajectory and the administration's strategy.

A month into the US and Israel's war with Iran, President Trump's initial expectations of a swift resolution are unmet. Despite assassinating Iranian leaders and conducting extensive airstrikes, the Iranian regime has not collapsed, and its missile capabilities remain a regional threat. Diplomatic efforts, mediated by Pakistan, have stalled as Iran has hardened its stance against US demands. Washington seeks the dismantling of Iran's nuclear program, the surrender of its enriched uranium stockpile, the elimination of most Iranian missiles, and the cessation of support for allied militias like Hezbollah and the Houthis. The conflict continues, raising concerns about prolonged chaos in the region.