President Donald Trump escalated his threats against Iran on April 2, warning that US forces would target the country's bridges and electrical power plants as the war enters its second month.
Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants! New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST!
Donald Trump, US President — Truth Social
The threat came hours after US forces struck a major bridge connecting Tehran to Karaj in Alborz Province, described by Iranian media as the highest bridge in the Middle East. Iranian officials reported eight deaths and 95 injuries from the attack, though the casualty figures could not be independently verified.
Trump celebrated the bridge destruction on social media, posting video footage of the strike.
The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again — Much more to follow!
Donald Trump, US President — Truth Social
The war began February 28 when the US and Israel launched coordinated attacks on Iran. Tehran responded with missile and drone strikes against Israel and Gulf states hosting US military bases. The conflict has killed thousands and displaced millions across the region while sending oil prices higher and shaking global markets.
Iranian officials also reported heavy damage to the Pasteur Institute, a medical research center in Tehran, though this could not be independently confirmed. The Iranian government released photographs purporting to show the destruction.
Dozens of international law experts in the United States signed an open letter Thursday arguing that US strikes on Iran may constitute war crimes. The 1949 Geneva Conventions prohibit attacks on sites essential for civilian populations and require military forces to distinguish between civilian and military targets.
Trump has offered shifting timelines and objectives throughout the conflict. In a televised address April 1, he said the US was close to completing its goals in Iran while warning of continued strikes.
We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks. We are going to bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong
Donald Trump, US President — White House address
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf responded defiantly to the latest threats.
Iranians don't just talk about defending their country, we bleed for it. We've done it before, and we're ready to do it again.... Bring it on
Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Iranian Parliament Speaker — social media