Iranian artist performs at power plant as Trump deadline on strikes looms

Iranian musician Ali Ghamsari performed a traditional recital outside a power plant in Iran, in what is being seen as a symbolic act amid rising tensions and a looming deadline set by US President Donald Trump.

A video circulating online shows Ghamsari seated on a mat, playing the tar, a stringed instrument central to Persian classical music, with the Damavand power plant visible in the background. The performance comes as threats intensify over potential strikes on Iran’s civilian infrastructure.

According to reports, the recital was carried out at a site that has been referenced in recent warnings issued by Trump, who has threatened large-scale attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure if a deal is not reached within a specified timeframe.

In the video, Ghamsari can be heard expressing hope that his music would serve as a call for peace and help prevent further escalation. He reportedly said he wished the sound of his instrument could “have an impact on peace” and keep “the lights in homes from going out.”

The performance was also shared by Iranian diplomatic channels, which framed it as a message promoting humanity and opposing war. The accompanying message described the act as a cultural response to threats against civilian infrastructure.

The development comes as Trump has issued a deadline warning Iran to comply with key demands, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He has indicated that failure to do so could result in coordinated strikes targeting critical infrastructure such as power plants and bridges.

In recent statements, Trump has warned of a large-scale bombing campaign if Iran does not meet the conditions by the stated deadline, describing the situation as a “critical period.”

Meanwhile, Iranian officials have strongly condemned the threats. Iran’s deputy sports minister, Alireza Rahimi, has urged citizens to gather around key infrastructure sites, including power plants, calling them national assets that must be protected.

The call has reportedly encouraged symbolic acts of solidarity, with artists and citizens being urged to demonstrate support for the protection of civilian infrastructure.

The situation remains tense, with diplomatic efforts ongoing but uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the deadline set by Washington. The potential targeting of civilian infrastructure has also raised concerns among international observers about humanitarian and legal implications.