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

April 3, 2026

President Trump has threatened to escalate military strikes against Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, unless Iran agrees to his terms for ending ongoing hostilities. This warning follows a US airstrike that destroyed a suspension bridge under construction in Karaj, killing eight people and injuring nearly 100 who were celebrating the Nowruz holiday nearby. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected Trump's demands, stating that attacks on civilian structures would not force Iran's surrender and claiming the strikes demonstrate American weakness.

Who is affected

Eight people killed and nearly 100 injured in the Karaj bridge strike
Iranian civilians, particularly those celebrating Nowruz holidays near the targeted bridge
General population inside Iran experiencing the internet blackout (now in day 35)
Tehran and Karaj residents across different age groups and political viewpoints
Iranians attempting to use satellite internet systems like Starlink (facing up to two years in prison)
Pro-establishment Iranian officials and hardliners responding to the strikes
Neighboring countries with US military bases (referenced as potential retaliation targets)

What action is being taken

US warplanes are conducting airstrikes on Iranian targets (the B1 suspension bridge in Karaj was bombed twice)
Iranian authorities are maintaining an internet blackout (currently in day 35)
Some Iranians are connecting using satellite internet systems such as Starlink and other methods
Iranian officials, pro-establishment users, and journalists are accessing the internet despite the ongoing blackout

Why it matters

This conflict represents a significant escalation in US-Iran tensions, with direct military strikes now targeting infrastructure that affects civilians rather than solely military assets. The attack on the Karaj bridge, which killed and injured people during a holiday celebration, demonstrates the war's expanding impact on ordinary Iranians and raises fears about further destruction of civilian infrastructure. The prolonged internet blackout compounds the crisis by isolating Iranians from the outside world and limiting information flow, while Trump's threats to target power plants and additional bridges suggest the potential for widespread humanitarian consequences that could affect millions of civilians.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC