Deadly attacks on bridges and railways
Airstrikes struck multiple locations in Iran on Tuesday, including two bridges, a train station, and a highway bridge. Iranian officials called on young people to form human chains to protect key power plants as tensions surged. U.S. President Donald Trump warned that a “whole civilization will die tonight” if Tehran does not meet his latest deadline to agree to a deal, including reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
Military strikes and regional tensions
The United States also targeted military sites on Kharg Island, a major Iranian oil hub, marking the second attack on the island. Israel simultaneously carried out strikes on Iranian petrochemical sites and warned Iranians to avoid railways, signalling potential future targets. Iran retaliated by firing missiles at Israel and Saudi Arabia, temporarily closing the King Fahd Causeway, a key shipping route.
Iranian mobilisation and civilian concerns
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reported that 14 million citizens volunteered to defend the country. Human chains have been historically used to protect nuclear sites, though participation this time appeared limited. Meanwhile, civilians expressed fear of losing access to electricity, water, and communications, warning of a “Stone Age” scenario.
Global response and legal warnings
International leaders, including French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, warned that attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure could violate international law and potentially constitute war crimes. Despite these warnings, rhetoric from both sides continues to escalate, keeping the region on edge.
Economic impact and Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global oil flows, causing Brent crude prices to exceed $108 per barrel. The U.S. and Iran remain in indirect talks mediated by Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey, but the possibility of a last-minute deal remains uncertain as deadlines loom.
Also read: US-Israel strikes Iran hit key bridges, killing two
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