With tensions between the Donald Trump-led US and Iran sharply rising, Tehran has made an unusual appeal to its citizens. Iran’s Deputy Sports Minister Alireza Rahimi has asked athletes, artists, and students to gather around key power facilities and form “human chains” to discourage any possible US airstrikes.
The appeal comes as Washington has issued a clear ultimatum to Tehran over reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has warned that if Iran does not comply by Tuesday evening US time, it could face a large-scale military response targeting infrastructure across the country.
Iran calls for civilian mobilisation near power plants
In a video message, Rahimi invited young people, university communities, and cultural figures to assemble near power plants at 2 pm local time on Tuesday. Calling these facilities “our wealth”, he urged people to protect them through a visible civilian presence.
“We will stand hand in hand to say: civilian lives are not targets.”
Posting on social media, Rahimi said any attack on public infrastructure would amount to a war crime. He added that citizens would stand together to send a clear message that civilian lives and essential services must not be targeted.
Iran’s representatives at the United Nations have also raised concerns, describing the US warnings as a violation of international law and an encouragement of attacks on civilian systems.
Trump warns of sweeping strikes within hours
Trump has set what he called an “8 pm deadline” for Iran to act. He has indicated that if Tehran does not respond, US forces could launch coordinated strikes on power plants and bridges within a short window.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said the operation could leave key infrastructure unusable. He added that the situation was at a “critical period” and that Iran had already been given additional time to reach an agreement.
“The entire country could be taken out in one night,” he said, warning that the deadline could mark a turning point.
“This is a critical period… They asked for an extension of seven days; I gave them 10 days… They have till tomorrow. Now we will see what happens… A lot of people are affected by this. We are giving them until tomorrow, 8 o’clock, Eastern Time. After that, they are going to have no bridges. They are going to have no power plants. Stone ages,” Trump said.
Meanwhile, Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, expressed concern after projectiles reportedly landed close to the Bushehr nuclear facility. He stressed that energy infrastructure should never become a military target.