US hits bridge connecting Iran to Russia and China - Media
Illustrative photo: The US strikes a key bridge in Iran (Getty Images)
The United States carried out overnight airstrikes on Iran, hitting the strategic Aq Taqeh Khan railway bridge in Golestan province, according to The Times of Israel.
The railway bridge is a key trade route linking Tehran with its strategic partners, China and Russia. The railway itself runs through Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan.
The importance of this land corridor has grown significantly in 2026, following the United States' blockade of Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf.
In addition, Russia has been actively using the route to transport cargo to Iran since late 2025.
Despite the overnight strikes, the transport corridor is not expected to face a prolonged disruption. Repairs to the bridge are expected to be completed in the near future.
On the night of July 9, the United States carried out strikes on Iranian territory for a second consecutive day. US forces reportedly targeted nearly 100 sites.
Earlier, during the NATO summit in Ankara, US President Donald Trump said that the ceasefire with Iran was no longer in effect. According to him, Washington abandoned talks with Tehran after Iran attacked commercial vessels on July 7.
At the same time, Trump told reporters overnight that Iran had reached out to the United States following the recent US strikes and proposed a deal.
However, the US president added that he was not sure Tehran deserved such an opportunity.
