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Trump announces destruction of Iran's tallest bridge, warns of further strikes
US President Donald Trump announced the destruction of Iran's tallest bridge in an airstrike, warning of more attacks unless Iran agrees to a deal. Iranian officials reported at least eight killed and nearly 100 wounded in the strike on the under-construction B1 bridge near Karaj, which they say was a civilian structure. The attack has escalated fears of a widening conflict, with international reactions ranging from UN warnings of 'a wider war' to European criticism of US strategy.
By Tertius News AI Desk7 outlets · 6 distinct · 10 articlesVersion 1Coverage Published
Lead
President Donald Trump announced Thursday that US forces had destroyed Iran's tallest bridge, posting footage of the structure collapsing and warning of further attacks unless Tehran agrees to end the five-week conflict. The strike on the B1 suspension bridge in Karaj, west of Tehran, is part of an intensified campaign that has also targeted steel plants and a medical research institute, according to multiple reports.
Iranian officials reported at least eight people killed and 95 wounded in the attack, though the toll could not be independently verified due to reporting restrictions. Witnesses and state media said many people were picnicking near the bridge for the Nowruz holiday when it was struck twice, with a second strike hitting as emergency teams responded. BBC reporting indicated the attack took place while many families were in the area.
Coverage comparison
Reports from multiple outlets agree that the strike took place Thursday and that Trump claimed responsibility, sharing footage on social media and stating 'The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again - Much more to follow!' However, sources diverge on civilian casualties and the bridge's status. Iranian state media and the deputy governor of Alborz province reported eight killed and 95 wounded, while other reports cited two people killed or mentioned up to 100 injured.
The BBC also reported that the bridge was still under construction, but its footage showed people near the bridge, suggesting it was functioning as a public space during the holiday. Trump's statement called the structure a 'major bridge' and warned of 'much more to follow,' while Iran's foreign minister condemned the attack as a strike on civilian infrastructure that 'will not compel Iranians to surrender.'
The strike is part of a broader campaign over the past two weeks that has also hit steel plants, universities, and a mosque, according to verified footage and satellite imagery reviewed by journalists. BBC Verify confirmed strikes on at least two steel plants and three bridges across Iran.
Key claims
Trump claims responsibility for destroying Iran's tallest bridge and warns of further attacks — reported by multiple outlets, with the quote 'The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again' widely attributed to him.
Iranian officials report between two and eight killed and many more injured in the bridge strike, with the higher death toll reported by the deputy governor of Alborz province and Iranian state media, though independent verification remains difficult due to reporting restrictions.
The B1 bridge was under construction and described as a major civilian infrastructure project, with Iranian officials saying it was meant to open soon; the bridge was reportedly the Middle East's tallest of its kind.
The US and Israel are striking civilian infrastructure, including a medical research institute and multiple steel plants, according to verified reporting by BBC Verify, though this claim has not been independently confirmed.
The strikes raise concerns about potential war crimes, with UN officials and some legal experts warning that attacking civilian infrastructure could violate international law, a claim that Trump dismissed.
Wider escalation includes Iran's missile strikes on Israel and international talks to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
How each outlet told it
A framing line is our reading of that outlet's own text — an interpretation, not a quotation and not a fact we assert. Check it against what the outlet published.
Africa News
Framing:Our reading Concerned and descriptive, focusing on the civilian impact and the difficulty of verification.
Facts Included:
State media said the bridge, located near Karaj west of Tehran, was hit while people were under the structure and along the riverbank.
Witness videos showed smoke rising around the bridge and several explosions as people ran for cover.
The attack appears to have struck a civilian infrastructure site during a public holiday, adding to concern over widening human cost.
Iranian officials said the B1 bridge was still under construction and due to open soon, with no military activity reported nearby.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strike, saying attacks on civilian infrastructure reflected 'moral collapse'.
Trump later posted footage claiming to show collapse of Iran's 'biggest bridge' and warned there was 'much more to follow'.
Iranian media describe the 136-metre structure as one of the tallest bridges in the Middle East.
Independent verification of footage and casualty toll difficult due to wartime reporting restrictions.
Framing:Our reading Sympathetic and alarming, using words like 'shock, fear and trauma' and 'strain'.
Facts Included:
The attack has left local residents, first responders and families of the victims in a state of shock, fear and trauma.
Hospitals and emergency services in Tehran–Karaj corridor faced sudden influx of wounded, straining health-care system.
Iranian officials said the B1 bridge, a major new structure near Tehran with no reported military activity nearby, had only recently opened or was about to open, and warned damage could disrupt traffic for months on one of the busiest commuter routes.
Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi called the strike 'a direct attack on civilian infrastructure'.
Trump posted video footage of the collapsed bridge and warned that 'more to follow' could target other critical sites.
In subsequent posts, Trump stated US forces had 'not even started destroying what is left in Iran' and mentioned 'bridges next, then electric power plants!' are in their sights, signalling a broader campaign.
Framing:Our reading Sympathetic and concerned, using quotes like 'It feels like we're sinking deeper into a swamp' to convey fear and helplessness.
Facts Included:
Trump threatened to destroy Iran's power plants and bridges unless it opens the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump's Sunday social media post: 'Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!'
Iranian officials mocked Trump's 20:00 ET (01:00 BST Wednesday) deadline, with a presidential aide calling his 'insults and nonsense' out of 'sheer desperation and anger'.
Internet blackout imposed by authorities more than five weeks ago, making contact difficult.
Quotes from Iranians (Kasra, Mina, Arman, Radin, Bahman, Jamshid, Marjan) expressing fear, anger, and economic worries.
January demonstrations: Trump said 'help is on its way' but did not intervene; crackdown killed at least 6,508 and arrested 53,000 (per Hrana).
Iranian media said 13 people were killed and almost 100 injured when a bridge under construction in Karaj was bombed on Thursday.
Iran says more than 30 universities have been hit, including Shahid Beheshti University.
Economic impact: layoffs, restaurant business decline, high rent, internet costs, Starlink possession illegal with up to two years in prison.
Framing:Our reading Investigative and concerned, using terms like 'potential war crimes' and quoting experts to underscore severity.
Facts Included:
Trump pledged to target infrastructure across Iran unless a deal is reached by Tuesday night.
Promising to bomb country 'back to the Stone Ages', Trump said US forces would target bridges and power plants; posted 'whole civilization will die tonight'.
Spate of attacks on infrastructure critical to ordinary Iranians since conflict began, with schools and hospitals damaged.
BBC Verify confirmed US-Israeli strikes targeted at least two steel plants, three bridges, and a pharmaceutical plant over past two weeks.
Some senior Democrats and UN officials warned strikes could amount to war crimes; Trump dismissed concerns.
Footage confirmed at least two strikes on the B1 bridge in Karaj, with a large gap visible.
On 27 March, verified footage showed smoke from Isfahan Mobarakeh Steel company; plant exported $860m between March 2025 and January 2026.
Satellite images showed damage at Khuzestan Steel Company; repair could take up to a year.
Netanyahu claimed strikes disrupted up to 70% of Iran's steel manufacturing capability.
Arman Mahmoudian's analysis on steel impact on GDP and pharmaceutical industry.
On 31 March, IDF spokesperson said it struck Tofigh Daru Research & Engineering Company, alleging transfer of chemical substances including fentanyl for chemical weapons research; BBC cannot verify claim.
Educational facilities heavily damaged: Shahid Beheshti University and Sharif University of Technology.
Religious buildings hit: Husseinya Mosque in Zanjan, two killed, clinic and library destroyed.
IDF said it bombed 10 'key' parts of Iranian railway; verified footage of collapsed railway bridge in Aminabad village.
Railway worker expressed frustration.
IDF warned Iranians against travelling on trains, saying 'presence on trains and near railway lines endangers your life'.
Legal experts and officials question whether strikes could amount to war crimes; quotes from Rachel VanLandingham, Acled, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, human rights chief Volker Turk, Sir Geoffrey Nice.
Trump dismissed war crime concerns, saying 'The war crime is allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon'.
Framing:Our reading 'This has got me worried': Iranians fear what comes next after US strike on Karaj bridge' centers on the emotional reaction of Iranians, highlighting their fear and uncertainty. — Sympathetic and alarmed, using quotes that express helplessness and concern.
Facts Included:
Trump warned Iran there will be strikes on bridges and electric power plants if leaders do not agree to his terms to end the war.
Iranian media said eight people were killed and almost 100 injured when a bridge under construction in Karaj was bombed on Thursday.
Many people had been picnicking near the B1 suspension bridge for the 13th day of Nowruz holidays when it was targeted twice by US warplanes.
Trump's Truth Social post: 'Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran.' and 'New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST!'
Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi's X post: 'striking civilian structures, including unfinished bridges, will not compel Iranians to surrender' and 'only conveys the defeat and moral collapse of an enemy in disarray'.
Araghchi responded to Trump's 'back to the stone ages' comment, asking if he was sure he wanted to 'turn back the clock'.
Internet blackout has entered day 35; connections via Starlink are high cost and illegal with up to two years in prison.
Voices from Iranians: a woman in her 20s cried and said 'I feel helpless', a Tehran resident said 'We'll end up with a ruined country', a pro-war local worried about the bridge's destruction, a woman in her 40s surprised but supportive.
Pro-establishment Iranians on social media condemned the strike and demanded retaliation targeting bridges in neighbouring countries with US bases.
Some warned the goal was 'destruction of Iran' rather than military assets.
BBC understands some officials, pro-establishment users, and journalists still have internet access despite blackout.
Framing:Our reading Urgent and factual, reporting on events as they unfold with a focus on military and diplomatic developments.
Facts Included:
US and Israel on Thursday stepped up attacks on Iran, targeting a century-old medical research centre (Pasteur Institute), a bridge near capital, and steel plants after Trump threatened to bomb Iran back to 'the Stone Ages'.
Trump said the tallest bridge in Iran had been destroyed; posted footage of smoke rising from B1 bridge in Karaj, 35km southwest of Tehran; warned of further destruction.
Trump quote: 'The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again - Much more to follow!...'
Iranian state television reported two US-Israeli strikes on the bridge; initial strike caused two civilian casualties; later attack took place as emergency teams were deployed.
B1 bridge was under construction, considered Middle East's tallest according to Iranian media, with a 447-foot column.
Trump's White House address: war 'very close' to achieving objectives, warned attacks would intensify if no negotiated settlement; 'Over the next two to three weeks, we are going to bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong.'
Trump's approval rating hitting new lows; offered retroactive explanation for joining attack on Feb 28.
Iran threatened 'crushing' attacks and fired missiles at Tel Aviv; four people reportedly lightly injured; blasts heard in Jerusalem.
In Tehran, AFP journalists reported loud explosions.
Two largest steel plants forced offline by waves of attacks.
Pasteur Institute extensively damaged in a strike.
Families gathered at Tehran's Melat park for Nowruz, despite bombardments.
Iran's army commander-in-chief Amir Hatami ordered to monitor enemy movements with 'utmost pessimism' and be ready to counter ground operations.
Fire erupted near Mashhad airport after projectile hit fuel tank; no casualties reported.
UK-led meeting of 40 countries demanded 'immediate and unconditional' reopening of Strait of Hormuz; quotes from Yvette Cooper.
French foreign ministry spokesperson said securing strait could only take place once bombing is over.
Macron called military operation to liberate Strait of Hormuz 'unrealistic', lamented Trump's differing daily statements.
GCC secretary general called for UN Security Council to authorise use of force to protect strait.
China blamed US and Israel for being 'root cause' of blockage; Wang Yi said attacks were violation of international law.
Argentina expelled Iran's diplomatic envoy.
Drone attack targeted US diplomatic centre in Baghdad's airport complex.
Putin called for intensifying political and diplomatic efforts to end war in call with Saudi Crown Prince.
Framing:Our reading 'Iran war: US, Israel hit major bridge, steel plants in Iran' is a straightforward summary of events, listing key targets. — Measured and diplomatic, focusing on international reactions and logistical details.
Facts Included:
US-Israeli strikes bombarded Iranian civilian infrastructure on Thursday, a day after Trump signaled wrapping up conflict.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on X that striking civilian infrastructure 'only conveys the defeat and moral collapse of an enemy in disarray.'
Trump shared footage of bridge collapse and threatened more attacks.
US-Israeli strikes halted services at two major Iranian steel plants, per Mizan agency.
Iranian officials said country's oldest medical research institute (Pasteur Institute) was struck.
US and Israel say they're striking only military targets in Iran.
Trump posted video of 'biggest bridge in Iran' partial collapse, urged Tehran to negotiate.
Footage showed dark smoke rising from B1 bridge in Karaj, 35 km southwest of Tehran.
Iranian state media reported B1 bridge targeted twice by US-Israeli airstrikes, two people killed.
B1 bridge is still under construction, reportedly Middle East's tallest, important commuter route.
EU's Kaja Kallas called for scaling up Aspides naval mission to protect maritime routes, referenced 1,700 ships assisted in Red Sea.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Strait of Hormuz is open for Russia, per Interfax.
China's Wang Yi urged ceasefire in calls with EU and German counterparts, criticized unauthorized military actions.
US Embassy in Baghdad warned of imminent attacks by pro-Iran militias, mentioned kidnapping of journalist Shelly Kittleson.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of 'spiral of death and destruction' and 'wider war'.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Iran is holding 'global economy hostage' with Strait of Hormuz.
Czech government adopted measures to curb fuel prices, including capping margins and lowering excise tax on diesel.
Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called for more efforts to end Iran war, discussed OPEC+ cooperation.
Austria said it refused US use of its airspace for bombing missions.
Germany joined UK-led talks on Hormuz shipping.
Macron said Trump 'contradicting' himself daily on Iran war, called force to reopen strait 'unrealistic'.
Kremlin said Moscow ready to act as mediator.
Iraq began exporting oil through Syria as alternative route, with details on production drop.
Framing:Our reading Analytical and somewhat detached, using quotes from Trump and officials, with a hint of concern about civilian casualties and war crimes.
Facts Included:
Trump claimed responsibility for destroying Iran's largest bridge, a day after threatening to bomb country 'back to the stone ages'.
Shared footage of part of the newly built 136 metre-high $400m B1 suspension bridge between Tehran and Karaj collapsing.
Two people reported killed in the incident on Thursday, in which the middle of the bridge was struck twice.
Trump posted: 'The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again' and warned 'much more to follow'.
It was not clear if bridge was being used by civilians at the time, though lorry appeared on one side.
Trump's Wednesday primetime speech: war the US and Israel launched on Feb 28 was a success 'nearing completion', repeated threat to destroy power plants.
Footage of a strike on missile base in Isfahan was confirmed as genuine.
Isfahan is where Iran is thought to have moved some or all of its 440kg stockpile of 60% enriched uranium.
Speculation that Trump considered a high-risk airborne raid to seize radioactive material, but president said 'I don't care'.
On Feb 28, US and Israel attacked and killed Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several associates.
Iran said Pasteur medical institute in Tehran was hit on Thursday.
Israel said it had struck a headquarters used by Iran's Revolutionary Guard to finance armed proxies.
Iran said it would conduct 'more crushing, broader and more destructive' attacks; quote from Ebrahim Zolfaqari.
At least 1,900 people killed and 20,000 injured in Iran since start of war, per International Red Cross estimate.
Oil prices jumped by 7% a barrel to $108.
UN Secretary-General warned world is 'on the edge of a wider war'.
Framing:Our reading 'Trump hails destruction of Iran's tallest bridge, warns of 'much more to follow'' focuses on Trump's celebratory tone and his warning, with a straightforward presentation. — Neutral and factual, similar to The Hindu but more concise.
Facts Included:
Trump said on Thursday the tallest bridge in Iran had been destroyed, hours after threatening to bomb the country 'back to the Stone Ages'.
Ghodratollah Seif, deputy governor of Alborz province, said the strike killed eight and wounded 95, according to state TV and Fars news agency.
AFP unable to independently verify tolls due to reporting restrictions.
Trump posted footage of smoke rising from the B1 bridge in Karaj, around 35km (20 miles) southwest of Tehran - warned further destruction unless Iran comes to the table to end the five-week war.
Trump quote: '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...'
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X: 'Striking civilian structures, including unfinished bridges, will not compel Iranians to surrender.'
Framing:Our reading 'Trump announces destruction of Iran's tallest bridge' focuses on Trump's announcement, presenting it as a statement of fact without immediate commentary. — Neutral and factual, reporting quotes directly without emotional language.
Facts Included:
Trump said Thursday the tallest bridge in Iran had been destroyed, hours after threatening to bomb the country 'back to the Stone Ages.'
Ghodratollah Seif, Deputy Governor of Alborz Province, said the strike killed eight and wounded 95, according to state TV and Fars.
AFP unable to independently verify tolls due to reporting restrictions.
Trump posted footage of smoke rising from B1 bridge in Karaj, 20 miles southwest of Tehran, and warned of further destruction unless Iran makes a deal.
Trump quote: '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...'
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's X post: 'Striking civilian structures, including unfinished bridges, will not compel Iranians to surrender.'
Iranian state TV reported two US-Israeli strikes on the bridge, initial strike caused two civilian casualties, later strike hit as emergency teams deployed.
B1 bridge was under construction, West Asia's tallest according to Fars/Iranian media, with a 447-foot column.
Trump's Wednesday speech: war launched by US and Israel on Feb 28 was almost over, threatened to bomb 'extremely hard' and bring Iran 'back to the Stone Ages'.
AI-extracted; can misattribute a claim — see Methodology.
Each row is one claim, attributed to the outlet whose wording states it most clearly. Confidence rates how directly the source text states the claim — explicit and unhedged rates high; hedged, pieced-together, or internally inconsistent statements rate lower. It does not measure whether the claim is true. Status counts the distinct outlets we found asserting it — so a single-source claim can still show high confidence, and a multi-source claim can show medium. Every one of those outlets is named beside the status, so you can check the count against the list. For claims extracted before we began storing that list, the row says so: it names the outlet the claim is quoted from and states that we have not recorded which outlets backed it. Outlets wrote at different times, so a figure that evolves — a casualty count, for example — can legitimately differ between rows; check the "as of" time next to each claim's source.
Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimDonald Trump threatened to destroy Iran's power plants and bridges unless it opens the Strait of Hormuz.
ClaimTrump said in a social media post on Sunday that 'Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!'
ClaimIranian officials mocked Trump's 20:00 ET (01:00 BST Wednesday) deadline, with a presidential aide saying his 'insults and nonsense' were out of 'sheer desperation and anger'.
ClaimAFP was unable to independently verify tolls due to reporting restrictions in Iran.
ConfidenceHigh
StatusMulti-source quoted from The Hindu — Worldthe outlets behind this status were not recorded for this claim
ClaimTrump posted footage of smoke rising from the B1 bridge in Karaj, 20 miles (35 kilometres) southwest of Tehran, and warned of further destruction unless Iran comes to the table to end the five-week war.
ConfidenceHigh
StatusMulti-source quoted from The Hindu — Worldthe outlets behind this status were not recorded for this claim
ClaimTrump said: '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!'
ConfidenceHigh
StatusMulti-source quoted from The Hindu — Worldthe outlets behind this status were not recorded for this claim
ClaimIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X: 'Striking civilian structures, including unfinished bridges, will not compel Iranians to surrender.'
ConfidenceHigh
StatusMulti-source quoted from The Hindu — Worldthe outlets behind this status were not recorded for this claim
ClaimIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on X that striking civilian infrastructure 'only conveys the defeat and moral collapse of an enemy in disarray.'
ConfidenceHigh
StatusMulti-source quoted from Deutsche Wellethe outlets behind this status were not recorded for this claim
ClaimIranian state television reported two US-Israeli strikes on the B1 bridge, with an initial strike causing two civilian casualties and a later attack taking place as emergency teams were deployed.
ClaimThe B1 bridge was under construction and is West Asia's tallest according to Fars/Iranian media, with a 447-foot (136-meter) column.
ConfidenceHigh
StatusMulti-source quoted from The Hindu — Worldthe outlets behind this status were not recorded for this claim
ClaimTrump said in his Wednesday primetime address that the war launched by the US and Israel on February 28 was almost over, even as he threatened to bomb Iran 'extremely hard' and bring Iran 'back to the Stone Ages'.
ConfidenceHigh
StatusMulti-source quoted from The Hindu — Worldthe outlets behind this status were not recorded for this claim
ClaimUS-Israeli strikes bombarded Iranian civilian infrastructure on Thursday, a day after Trump signaled that Washington was close to achieving its military objectives.
ClaimThe B1 bridge in Karaj, Iran, is still under construction and is reportedly the Middle East's tallest.
ConfidenceHigh
StatusMulti-source quoted from Deutsche Wellethe outlets behind this status were not recorded for this claim
ClaimEU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called for scaling up the Aspides naval mission to protect maritime routes, referencing 1,700 ships assisted in the Red Sea.
ClaimTrump repeated a threat to destroy Iran's power plants in his White House address, saying 'We are going to hit each and every one of their electric generating plants very hard and probably simultaneously.'
ClaimIran said it would conduct 'more crushing, broader and more destructive' attacks in the future, according to Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for the Iranian military's Khatam al-Anbiya central headquarters.
ClaimAt least 1,900 people have been killed and 20,000 injured in Iran since the start of the war, according to a rough estimate by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
ClaimTrump pledged to target infrastructure across Iran unless the country reaches an 'acceptable' deal to end the war with the US and Israel by Tuesday night.
ClaimTrump said US forces would target bridges and power plants across Iran, and posted on social media that a 'whole civilization will die tonight' if an agreement is not struck.
ClaimBBC Verify confirmed that US and Israeli strikes have targeted at least two steel plants, three bridges and a pharmaceutical plant over the past two weeks.
ClaimSome senior Democrats in the US Congress and UN officials have warned that strikes like these could amount to war crimes, but Trump dismissed those concerns.
ClaimOn 31 March, an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson said it had struck the Tofigh Daru Research & Engineering Company, alleging transfer of chemical substances including fentanyl for chemical weapons research; the BBC cannot verify that claim.
ClaimImages showed debris around the exterior of Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran and parts of the building destroyed after a reported attack on Saturday.
ClaimIn the central city of Zanjan, an attack levelled parts of the Husseinya Mosque, and local officials said two people were killed in the strike, which destroyed a clinic and a library within the complex.
ClaimThe IDF warned Iranians early on Tuesday against travelling, saying in Farsi that their 'presence on trains and near railway lines endangers your life'.
ClaimAcled, an independent organisation monitoring conflicts, said data indicated that 'civilian harm has largely remained clustered around US-Israeli strikes on military, security, and state-linked sites, rather than indiscriminate bombardment across urban neighbourhoods'.
ClaimSir Geoffrey Nice, a former prosecutor at the Hague, said attacks on infrastructure like power plants and water facilities would likely be disproportionate under international law.
ClaimIn a news conference on Monday, Trump said he was 'not worried about it' when asked whether his threats to strike energy facilities could amount to war crimes, adding 'The war crime is allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon.'
ClaimIran launched missiles towards Israel on Thursday, with four people reportedly lightly injured in the Tel Aviv area and blasts heard in Jerusalem.
ClaimA UK-led meeting of some 40 countries on the Strait of Hormuz crisis demanded the 'immediate and unconditional' reopening of the vital shipping route.
ClaimA spokesperson for the French foreign ministry said securing the Strait of Hormuz could 'only take place once the intense phase of the bombing is over'.
ClaimThe secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council called for the UN Security Council to authorise the use of force to protect the Strait of Hormuz.
ClaimChina blamed the US and Israel for being the 'root cause' of the Strait of Hormuz blockage, and China's foreign minister Wang Yi said US and Israeli attacks on Iran were a violation of international law.
ClaimTrump wrote on Truth Social: 'Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran.' and 'New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST!'
ClaimAraghchi responded to Trump's 'back to the stone ages' comment, asking whether the president was sure he wanted to 'turn back the clock' to a time when 'there was no oil or gas being pumped in the Middle East'.
ClaimIn subsequent posts on Truth Social, Trump stated that US forces had 'not even started destroying what is left in Iran' and mentioned that 'bridges next, then electric power plants!' are in their sights.
ConfidenceHigh
StatusMulti-source quoted from Africa Newsthe outlets behind this status were not recorded for this claim
Transparency & Audit Trail
7 outlets · 6 distinct · 10 articles consulted: Africa News, BBC — World, Dawn, Deutsche Welle, The Guardian — World, South China Morning Post, The Hindu — World83 claims extractedVersion 1Written 2026-08-13