A B1 bridge struck by US airstrikes on Thursday (April 2) is seen in the town of Karaj, west of Tehran. Photo: AP/PTI
Karaj attack: Iran issues 'hit list' of 8 key bridges in West Asia
The move is seen as a response to the twin airstrikes by the US and Israel on the key B1 Bridge in Karaj, in northern Iran
In retaliation for the destruction of its key bridges in Karaj, Iran has listed major bridges across the West Asia region, in an apparent warning of a possible attack. The US and Israel, in a joint attack, destroyed the B1 Bridge in Karaj on Thursday (April 2).
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The semi-official Fars News Agency indicated that eight prominent bridges in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, and Jordan could be possible targets of attacks.
Possible targets
According to media reports, the bridges identified by Iranian media are:
Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Sea Bridge - A 36 km bridge that is a critical northern lifeline for Kuwait.
King Fahd Causeway - The only fixed road link connecting Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, which is important for regional trade and US Fifth Fleet logistics.
Sheikh Zayed Bridge - A major architectural bridge in Abu Dhabi connecting the island to the mainland.
Sheikh Khalifa Bridge - A key 10-lane highway bridge in Abu Dhabi connecting the main island to Saadiyat Island.
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Al Maqta Bridge – The first permanent bridge in Abu Dhabi connecting the mainland and Abu Dhabi Island.
King Hussein Bridge (Allenby Bridge) - A primary crossing between Jordan and the West Bank.
Damia Bridge (Adam Bridge) - Another strategic crossing connecting Jordan and the West Bank.
Abdoun Bridge: A major cable-stayed bridge located in Amman.
Tallest bridge destroyed
The US and Israel carried out two airstrikes on the B1 bridge in northern Iran, killing two people and leaving the structure destroyed. Known as Iran’s tallest bridge at 136 meters, the B1 Bridge was a key infrastructure project linking the capital city, Tehran, to Karaj in Alborz province.
Videos circulating on social media showed the central section of the bridge collapsing following the twin strikes.
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Sharing a video on social media showing smoke bellowing from the Bridge after the attack, US President Donald Trump wrote, "The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again - Much more to follow! IT IS TIME FOR IRAN TO MAKE A DEAL BEFORE ITS TOO LATE, AND THERE IS NOTHING LEFT OF WHAT STILL COULD BECOME A GREAT COUNTRY! (sic)."
The attack comes amid heightened regional tensions after a joint US-Israeli offensive launched on February 28, with Tehran retaliating through drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf states hosting US military assets.