Iran calls for human shields at power plants as Trump’s threat escalates tensions

Iran has called on its citizens to gather at power plants across the country and form human chains on April 7, in a show of solidarity and deterrence against a potential United States attack on critical infrastructure.

The appeal, directed at civilians including youth, artists and athletes, comes amid rising tensions following threats from US President Donald Trump over the operational status of the Strait of Hormuz.

Announcing the initiative, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Alireza Rahimi said the campaign — titled “Iran’s Youth Human Chain for a Bright Future” — is aimed at sending a strong message against targeting civilian infrastructure.

“We will stand hand in hand to say: Attacking public infrastructure is a war crime,” Rahimi wrote on X, urging nationwide participation. According to Iran International, the move is also intended to demonstrate public backing for the country’s armed forces in the face of what officials describe as external “aggression”.

Trump’s warning raises stakes

The mobilization follows a sharply worded warning issued by Trump on April 6, in which he threatened coordinated strikes on Iran’s power plants and bridges if the strategic waterway is not fully reopened.

In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump used unusually aggressive language, combining geopolitical demands with direct insults aimed at Tehran. He warned of sweeping action targeting key infrastructure, intensifying fears of a potential escalation.

Hours later, the US President posted another message referencing a specific time — “Tuesday, 8:00 PM Eastern Time” — though without explicitly mentioning Iran, further fuelling speculation over imminent developments.

Uncertainty over potential strike

Despite the rhetoric, there are indications that Washington may still weigh its options. A recent report by Axios, citing a senior US official, suggested that Trump could delay any planned strikes if there are signs of a possible agreement between Tehran and Washington.

The report added that while Trump holds sole authority to order military action, the final decision may hinge on evolving diplomatic signals and the broader regional situation.

With tensions mounting, Iran’s call for civilian mobilization underscores the growing volatility around one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, raising concerns of a confrontation with far-reaching consequences.