President Trump told reporters during a press conference on Monday that he gave the order to destroy a newly constructed bridge in Iran after the country’s negotiators reneged on a previous deal to end the conflict.
U.S. forces carried out a strike last Thursday targeting the newly constructed B1 Bridge in the Iranian city of Karaj, according to reports.
The bridge, described as one of the largest infrastructure projects in West Asia and slated to open later this year, was destroyed in the attack. Iranian sources said civilians were gathered nearby marking the final day of Nowruz when the strike occurred.
Initial reports indicated at least eight people were killed and approximately 100 others were injured. Independent verification of casualty figures and details surrounding the incident has been limited, however.
During his press conference, the president said “we were very close to a deal” when he heard from the U.S. negotiating team, led by Vice President JD Vance, that the Iranians “were breaking it.” He said, Tell them, that’s okay. Don’t worry about it. But tell them to look out their window and watch.”
“Within 45 minutes, I gave the order to knock out the biggest bridge…and within 10 minutes after I gave that order, that bridge was over,” said Trump.
Trump also shared a video of the strike on his Truth Social platform, writing: “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 IT IS TOO LATE, AND THERE IS NOTHING LEFT OF WHAT STILL COULD BECOME A GREAT COUNTRY!”
U.S. military officials say the bridge was a legitimate military target because it would have allowed Iran to transport weapons and other war-making capabilities to the western portion of the country. Democrats and left-wing media, however, claim Trump has committed a “war crime” under provisions of international law and the Geneva Convention, which prohibit the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure.
Earlier in the day, Trump claimed victory in the US-Israeli strikes, asserting that U.S. military action had destroyed Tehran’s military capabilities and would “finish the job” soon. He added that “core strategic objectives nearing completion.”
In an address to the nation, Trump said American forces will hit Iran “extremely hard” over the next 2-3 weeks while again threatening to target Iranian power plants. He added: “Our enemies are losing—and America, as it has been for five years under my presidency, is winning, and now, winning bigger than ever before.”
Trump repeated his threat throughout Monday, and by Tuesday, reports filtered in early in the day saying that the Iranians had rejected all U.S. cease-fire demands, one of which is to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz to civilian tanker and shipping traffic.
“Iran responded by declaring it would no longer hold back from hitting infrastructure of its Gulf neighbours, and claimed to have carried out fresh strikes on a ship in the Gulf and Saudi industrial facilities linked to U.S. firms,” Reuters reported.
“A senior Iranian source told Reuters that Tehran had rejected a proposal conveyed by intermediaries for a temporary ceasefire. Talks on a lasting peace could begin only after the U.S. and Israel end their strikes, provide a guarantee they will not resume and offer compensation for damages,” the outlet’s report continued.
“Any future settlement must leave Iran in control of the strait, imposing fees on ships that use it, the source said on condition of anonymity,” it said.
Trump has issued a deadline to Iran tied to reopening oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz, warning that failure to comply could trigger large-scale U.S. strikes on infrastructure such as bridges and power plants.
Reports indicate the deadline was set for 8 p.m. Eastern Time, with Trump stating the U.S. could carry out widespread strikes within hours if no agreement is reached.