At Least 14 Dead and 78 Injured in US Airstrikes on Iranian Rail Network

According to Iranian accounts, the attacks hit several parts of the country, including the capital Tehran, the metropolis of Mashhad in the northeast, as well as Ahvaz and the province of Khuzestan in the southwest of the country. Eyewitnesses reported explosions along the railway infrastructure. Individual sections of track had been interrupted, according to Iranian transportation authorities.

Attack Targets and CENTCOM Statement

The US side spoke of a coordinated operation against military targets. Details about the specific attack locations and the nature of the targets were not initially made public. The Pentagon did not initially comment on the Iranian casualty figures.

The Iranian government sharply condemned the attacks. On Thursday, IRNA published statements from various ministries that spoke of a violation of international law. The railway company also announced investigations into the damage.

Domestic Reactions

International reactions to the attacks remained initially subdued. Regional actors, including Bahrain, were closely observing developments. The United Nations was informed according to Iranian accounts, but has so far not made any official statement.

The Iranian leadership around Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced retaliation. No details were given. On Iranian online platforms, calls for demonstrations in several cities have been circulating since Thursday.

Impact on Infrastructure

The situation on the affected rail lines remains tense. Repair crews are deployed, the railway company stated. It is unclear when rail traffic on the interrupted sections can be fully resumed.

Residents in Tehran reported power outages in several districts. The exact cause is still unclear, it was said. Supply shortages also occurred in the provinces of Khuzestan and around Mashhad, according to reports.

The international community is observing the developments with concern. Further statements from the parties to the conflict as well as possible diplomatic initiatives are expected in the coming days.

Observers pointed out that the attacks on civilian infrastructure could further aggravate the domestic political situation in Iran. The economic consequences of the destruction of rail lines cannot yet be assessed.