Trump’s threat to Iran: Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Thursday night issued a stark warning to Iran, threatening further devastation after reported strikes hit a major bridge linking Tehran and Karaj. The structure – described as the country’s tallest bridge – was said to be a 136-metre-high suspension crossing valued at $400 million, according to The Guardian. Taking responsibility for the attack, Trump urged Iran to agree to a deal “before it’s too late,” adding that power infrastructure could be the next target.

In a social media post, the president shared footage he claimed showed the bridge collapsing, writing that “there is nothing left of what still could become a great country.” The latest escalation came just a day after he warned of bombing Iran “back to the stone ages”.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Macron said it would be impractical to launch a military operation aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, following Trump’s call for U.S. allies to take action on the key shipping route.

In a prime-time address from the White House, Trump said U.S. military objectives in the conflict with Iran were “nearing completion.” While suggesting the war could end quickly, he cautioned that American forces would continue to strike Iranian targets “extremely hard” over the next two to three weeks to “finish the job”.

Shortly after the speech, Iran’s army chief issued a sharp response, warning that if US troops entered the country, “not a single person” among the invading forces would survive.