Hegseth faces backlash over reported 'double tap' strike in Iran

U.S. forces reportedly struck an Iranian highway twice on Thursday while people celebrated the final day of Persian New Year.

A U.S. military official claimed the bridge was a military supply route for Iran's missile and drone forces, but Iran's deputy governor denied the characterization, stating the bridge was not operational and "there was absolutely no military activity." This drew backslash against President Donald Trump's Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth.

Several people were reportedly killed. Former Human Rights Watch director Kenneth Roth alleged the second strike occurred while emergency responders assisted wounded, violating international protections for rescue workers. Critics called the strikes criminal war crimes.

A former State Department lawyer specializing in armed conflict law told The New York Times the bridge appeared targeted "not to provide any military advantage but in the hopes of coercing Tehran and generating content."

Trump celebrated the strikes on Truth Social, warning Iran to "make a deal before it is too late."

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