‘Disturbing Trend’ of US-Israeli Strikes Hitting Non-Military Targets in Iran • FRANCE 24

FRANCE 24 English
FRANCE 24 EnglishApr 3, 2026

Why It Matters

The widening attacks on civilian infrastructure could trigger a regional war and undermine diplomatic avenues, while exposing the United States and Israel to heightened legal and reputational risks.

Key Takeaways

  • US and Israeli strikes increasingly target civilian infrastructure in Iran
  • Bridge in Karaj destroyed, killing eight, injuring over 90
  • Trump posted strike image, warning Iran of further attacks
  • Iran accuses war crimes, vows retaliation with rockets, missiles
  • Regional escalation includes Hezbollah, Houthis, and Gulf asset strikes

Summary

US and Israeli airstrikes are increasingly hitting civilian sites in Iran, a trend highlighted by a recent attack on a bridge under construction in Karaj, east of Tehran. The strike collapsed a large bridge slab, killing eight people and wounding more than 90, and was followed by a second bombing of the same structure. President Donald Trump amplified the incident by posting the image on social media, warning Iran of further consequences if a diplomatic agreement is not reached.

The report notes that the Karaj bridge is part of a growing list of non‑military targets, including a civilian airport in Kashan, fuel depots, hospitals, universities and sports facilities. Iranian officials cite the UN Charter, labeling these attacks as war crimes, while Western governments and rights groups have largely remained silent. In response, the Revolutionary Guard announced intensified strikes and deeper coordination with Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis.

Trump’s tweet read, “This is what Iran can expect if there’s no agreement,” underscoring the political messaging behind the military action. Iranian commanders warned that hundreds of rockets and ballistic missiles have been launched over the past 48 hours, striking U.S. assets and commercial hubs across Bahrain, Jordan, the Emirates and Israel, signaling a widening retaliation chain.

The escalation raises the risk of a broader regional conflagration, threatens to derail any ongoing diplomatic efforts, and places civilian populations at heightened danger. It also spotlights the erosion of norms governing armed conflict, prompting renewed scrutiny of international law and potential repercussions for the United States and its allies.

Original Description

Reporting from Tehran early Friday, FRANCE 24’s Reza Sayah says there’s been a “disturbing trend” in recent days of US-Israeli strikes hitting non-military targets across Iran. A strike on Iran’s tallest bridge last night killed eight people and wounded 90 others, said Sayah. The war has seen US-Israeli strikes target Iran's civilian airports, fuel depots, hospitals, sports facilities, pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, universities and schools, he notes.
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