U.S.-Israeli Strikes Hit Alborz Province Bridge as Pilot Rescued Near Hormuz

A joint U.S.-Israeli air operation targeted the B1 bridge in Iran's Alborz province on Thursday, resulting in at least eight civilian deaths and 95 injuries. The bridge, located in Karaj, is a critical piece of infrastructure and one of the most complex engineering projects in the Middle East. The facility was reportedly struck twice by missiles, highlighting the rising humanitarian cost as the conflict enters its 36th day. Amid the heavy kinetic activity, President Donald Trump confirmed that a lone pilot from a second U.S. warplane downed near the Strait of Hormuz has been successfully rescued. Despite the loss of military hardware, the President emphasized that these incidents would not affect ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran. Reports from the New York Times corroborated the rescue operation in the strategic waterway. On the diplomatic front, prospects for a near-term ceasefire appear dim. Iran has reportedly informed mediators that it will not participate in upcoming meetings with U.S. officials in Islamabad. Tehran characterized the Pakistan-led mediation efforts as a "dead end," according to reports from the Wall Street Journal. While shipping for essentials remains partially open in the Strait of Hormuz, broader regional market volatility persists.