Iran called on its citizens to form human chains around power plants as a looming US deadline approaches demanding Iran reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
This mobilization follows a day marked by Iranian strikes that killed at least 15 people across Iran and retaliatory missile or rocket fire targeting Israel and Saudi Arabia, forcing the temporary closure of a major bridge in the region.
The directive to protect nuclear and energy infrastructure comes as US President Donald Trump set a deadline for Iran to comply with demands over maritime traffic through the Strait, a vital global oil transit route.
Iran’s President declared that 14 million citizens, including himself, volunteered to physically shield key facilities, signaling Tehran’s commitment to resist US pressure amid escalating regional conflict.
Technically, the attacks involved ballistic missile launches and drone strikes meeting strategic objectives. The human chain order reflects using civilian mass mobilization as a deterrent, potentially complicating any kinetic strikes by opposition forces.
This escalation increases risks of wider conflict in the Gulf, with Tehran signaling readiness to further tighten control over maritime choke points and retaliation against regional rivals. International actors must monitor closely to prevent miscalculation leading to open warfare.
