‘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 President Donald Trump issued a warning to Iran, threatening strikes on bridges and power plants if the nation’s leaders do not accept his conditions to end the conflict. This followed an attack on a bridge under construction in Karaj, a city west of Tehran, which killed eight and injured nearly 100. The bombing occurred during the 13th day of Nowruz celebrations, when many were picnicking near the B1 suspension bridge.
“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 Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded on his X account, stating that “striking civilian structures, including unfinished bridges, will not compel Iranians to surrender.” He argued the attack “only conveys the defeat and moral collapse of an enemy in disarray” and warned that “damage to America’s standing” would “never recover.” Araghchi also questioned Trump’s claim to bomb Iran “back to the stone ages,” asking whether the president was certain he wanted to “turn back the clock” to a time when “there was no oil or gas being pumped in the Middle East.”
Internet blackout complicates communication
An internet blackout in Iran has now lasted 35 days, making it difficult to reach people within the country. However, some have used satellite internet systems like Starlink to stay connected, despite the risk of up to two years in prison. All individuals who spoke to BBC Persian from inside Iran were critical of the current regime.
Public reactions highlight growing anxiety
A young woman in Tehran voiced deep concern over the Karaj bridge attack, unsure what might be targeted next. She cried while recording a message: “I feel helpless. [Trump] posts shamelessly about attacking our bridge. I don’t know how much further this is going to go,” she said. “Why is no-one standing up to him? He’s really taking us back to the Stone Age.”
A man in his 20s, a Tehran resident, expressed sadness about the situation: “We’ll end up with a ruined country. I am more disappointed and saddened that I am in the middle of a situation where I see Iran being destroyed and I can’t do anything. My country is being destroyed more and more every day.”
The strike also concerned a local resident who identified as “pro-war.” “That bridge could have reduced the 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 said. Another woman in her 40s, supporting the US-Israeli military campaign, added: “I was really surprised that they hit a bridge… but I think they must have a reason for it.”
Social media condemnation and retaliatory calls
Hardline, pro-establishment Iranians on social media condemned both the Karaj strike and Trump’s remarks. Some urged Iran’s armed forces to retaliate by targeting bridges in neighboring countries with US bases. Others viewed the attack as another sign that the US and Israel aim to “destroy Iran,” rather than merely damage its military assets.
The BBC understands that a few officials, loyal users, and journalists still have internet access despite the ongoing blackout.
