Iranian state-affiliated media has disclosed a list of what it described as “legitimate targets” in response to recent attacks on the B1 bridge linking Karaj to Tehran. The list, published by the Iranian outlet Nour News, includes ten strategic bridges across the Middle East, as well as locations within the Israeli-occupied territories.
According to the report, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has threatened to strike multiple high-value infrastructure points. These include the Arik Bridge in the north of the occupied territories, the King Hussein Bridge connecting Jordan and the occupied territories, Abdoun Bridge in Jordan, King Fahd Causeway linking Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, and Sheikh Zayed Bridge in the Gulf region.
Escalation of Military Threats
On Thursday, the Iranian military issued a warning of what it described as “crushing” attacks against the United States and the occupation. This came in response to statements by former US President Donald Trump, who had threatened to intensify military action against Iran for an additional two to three weeks.
In a separate escalation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that major American technology companies have been added to its list of “legitimate military targets.” The group accused these corporations of playing a central role in the assassination of prominent Iranian figures by providing technical and intelligence support.
US Tech Firms Declared Targets
A statement from the Revolutionary Guard identified companies such as Apple, Google, Meta, and Tesla as potential targets for retaliatory operations. Employees of these companies were urged to evacuate their offices for their own safety, while civilians in surrounding areas were advised to maintain a distance of at least one kilometre from company premises.
Strategic Risks and Energy Disruption
An analysis published by Reuters warned that US policy risks enabling Tehran to tighten its grip over Middle Eastern energy supplies. Gulf states, the report noted, could face the consequences of a conflict they did not initiate, particularly if Washington concludes hostilities without securing a binding agreement.
Rather than weakening the leadership in Tehran, the analysis suggests the Iranian government may emerge more entrenched, having withstood weeks of joint US and Israeli attacks. Iran’s retaliatory strikes across Gulf countries and its disruption of global energy markets, including the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, have already created significant instability.
Regional and International Reactions
Mohammed Baharoon, Director of the Dubai Public Policy Research Centre, stated that the core issue lies in ending the conflict without achieving a decisive outcome. He noted that even if the United States halts its military campaign, there is no indication that Iran would follow suit. According to Baharoon, Tehran is likely to continue exerting pressure on the region as long as US forces remain stationed in Gulf bases.
Meanwhile, António Guterres warned of the خطر of the conflict escalating into a broader regional war, urging all parties to cease hostilities. In parallel, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf announced that seven million Iranians have volunteered for military service, signalling a significant mobilisation effort.
