The death toll from the US and Israeli attacks on the B1 Bridge in the city of Karaj, Alborz province, northern Iran, has climbed to 13, according to the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA). The figure was announced early Saturday by Amir Hossein Daneshkuhan, director general of the Alborz Martyrs and Veterans Foundation.
“The number of people who lost their lives in the US-Israeli attacks on the B1 Bridge in Alborz province has risen to 13,” Daneshkuhan stated, as the region continues to reel from the impact of the strike that occurred on Thursday.
The incident involved a targeted strike on the B1 Bridge, described as one of the highest and most complex infrastructure projects in the Middle East. Located in the Azimieh area near Karaj, the bridge forms a critical link on a major highway connecting Tehran and surrounding regions. It was part of a significant infrastructure development expected to be inaugurated soon, aimed at easing traffic congestion and boosting connectivity in the densely populated area.
Media reports, including from Fars News Agency, indicated that multiple sites in the vicinity were affected, with the primary target being the towering B1 Bridge. Initial accounts suggested several injuries, and the structure sustained substantial damage, raising concerns about long-term transportation disruptions in northern Iran. The bridge, still under construction or recently nearing completion, was not reported to have active military usage at the time of the attack, according to some local officials, though its strategic value as infrastructure has drawn scrutiny amid the broader conflict.
Eyewitness and official accounts point to what has been described as a “double tap” strike strategy. The first missile or airstrike hit the location, followed by a second assault approximately one hour later. This second wave reportedly occurred while emergency responders, medical personnel, and civilians were on the scene assisting the wounded from the initial impact. Under international humanitarian law, such responders and medical teams are generally considered protected civilians, making the timing of the second strike particularly controversial and drawing accusations of disregard for civilian safety.
The strike unfolded against the backdrop of ongoing public activities in the area. Some reports noted that families and residents were gathered nearby, possibly enjoying outdoor spaces along the riverbank or participating in local observances, which may have contributed to the casualty figures. Videos and images circulating on social media and shared by international outlets depicted significant structural damage to the bridge, with sections appearing severely compromised or partially collapsed.
This attack on the B1 Bridge marks the latest escalation in a wider US-Israeli air offensive against Iran that commenced on February 28, 2026. According to Iranian sources, the campaign has so far resulted in more than 1,340 deaths across various targets, including the killing of then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in earlier strikes. The offensive has focused on military, nuclear, and strategic sites, but incidents like the bridge strike have highlighted the potential for civilian infrastructure and bystanders to be caught in the crossfire.
In response to the broader campaign, Iran has launched retaliatory drone and missile strikes targeting locations in Israel, as well as sites in Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting US military personnel. These counterattacks have caused casualties, damaged infrastructure, and led to disruptions in global markets, aviation routes, and energy supplies. The tit-for-tat exchanges have heightened fears of a wider regional conflict, with implications for international stability, oil prices, and diplomatic relations.
The B1 Bridge incident has sparked strong condemnations from Iranian officials, who have described the strikes as acts of aggression against civilian infrastructure. Iranian leaders have vowed to defend the country and rebuild affected sites, emphasizing national resilience in the face of external pressure. The targeting of a high-profile project like the B1 Bridge, which carried significant economic and symbolic value, is seen by some analysts as an attempt to undermine Iran’s development efforts and logistical capabilities.
As casualty figures continue to rise, with the latest update putting the death toll at 13, questions persist about the full extent of injuries and the long-term humanitarian impact. Hospitals in Alborz province and nearby Tehran have reportedly been treating dozens of wounded individuals, many suffering from blast injuries, burns, and trauma. The lack of immediate independent verification of all details has fueled debates over the precise nature of the targets and the proportionality of the strikes.
International observers and humanitarian organizations have called for restraint and adherence to the laws of armed conflict, particularly regarding the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure. The “double tap” tactic, while used in various conflicts historically, often raises ethical and legal concerns when it endangers first responders.
The broader context of the US-Israeli campaign reflects deep-seated geopolitical tensions, including disputes over Iran’s nuclear program, regional influence, and proxy conflicts involving groups supported by Tehran. Since the offensive began in late February, both sides have traded accusations, with the US and Israel justifying their actions as necessary to neutralize threats, while Iran portrays them as unprovoked aggression.
Residents in Karaj and surrounding areas expressed shock and grief over the loss of lives and the damage to a landmark project meant to serve civilian needs. Local authorities are assessing the structural integrity of the bridge and planning emergency repairs or alternative routing to minimize transportation chaos.
As Saturday dawned, Iranian media continued to provide updates on the rising death toll and the ongoing recovery efforts. The incident has once again drawn global attention to the human cost of the escalating conflict, with calls from various quarters for de-escalation and diplomatic engagement to prevent further bloodshed.
The development underscores the volatile nature of the situation in the Middle East, where infrastructure projects, civilian gatherings, and military objectives increasingly intersect with tragic consequences. With no immediate signs of ceasefire and both sides maintaining firm positions, the coming days may see further retaliatory actions or intensified diplomatic maneuvering on the international stage.
Analysts warn that continued strikes on symbolic or economically vital targets could prolong the conflict, deepen humanitarian crises, and complicate efforts toward any negotiated resolution. For now, the focus remains on the victims of the B1 Bridge attack, as Iranian authorities work to provide support to affected families and communities while documenting the damage for potential international accountability.
This latest rise in the death toll to 13 serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of peace in the region and the urgent need for all parties to prioritize civilian protection amid military operations.
