An Iranian official has called on citizens—especially young people—to gather around the country’s power plants at a fixed hour on Tuesday.
In a message aired on state television, Alireza Rahimi, identified as secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council of Youth and Adolescents, urged “young people, athletes, artists, students and university professors” to assemble at 2 p.m. near key energy sites. He described these facilities as “national assets” tied to Iran’s future and appealed for unity “regardless of political viewpoint.”
The call comes against a backdrop of escalating tensions, with Donald Trump warning that Iran’s power plants and bridges could be destroyed within hours if Tehran fails to meet his demands by a self-imposed deadline later that day.
Rahimi’s appeal reflects tactics Iran has used during past standoffs with Western powers. Human chains—effectively placing civilians around sensitive locations—have previously been formed near critical infrastructure, including nuclear facilities, to complicate or deter potential strikes.
Such strategies are not unique to Iran. During the 1991 Gulf War, Saddam Hussein’s regime placed civilians, including foreign nationals, near likely targets in an effort to discourage US-led attacks. Analysts say the renewed use of such methods underscores the level of concern in Tehran over the immediacy of Washington’s threats. The timing—“Tuesday at 2 p.m.”—appears intended to ensure a visible civilian presence before any potential military action.
Trump escalates warning
Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump delivered one of his strongest warnings yet, stating that Iran’s infrastructure could be “taken out in one night.”
“Every power plant in Iran will be out of business—burning, exploding,” he said, adding that bridges could face “complete demolition” within hours if Iran does not comply with US demands, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted oil traffic.
He also dismissed concerns that such strikes could amount to war crimes, arguing that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons takes precedence.
The rhetoric comes amid intensifying regional hostilities. Explosions have been reported in Tehran and Karaj following Israeli airstrikes, while Iran-linked missile and drone attacks have struck targets in Iraq and been intercepted over Saudi Arabia.
