Iran Calls on Citizens to Form Human Chains Around Power Plants as Trump Deadline Looms

Apr 7, 2026

President Donald Trump has set a Tuesday deadline threatening massive strikes on Iran's civilian infrastructure, including power plants, unless Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iranian officials have called on citizens to form human chains around power plants and critical infrastructure as a protective measure. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian claims 14 million people have declared readiness to sacrifice their lives in defense of the nation. Iranian media showed crowds gathering at electricity stations in Tehran, Tabriz, and other cities, waving flags and holding banners. Tehran residents are stockpiling basic provisions as the confrontation escalates over control of the strategic waterway.

Trump's Deadline and Threat of Strikes on Iranian Infrastructure

▪Donald Trump set a deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face massive strikes on civilian infrastructure

Iranian Civilian Mobilization and Defense Preparations

▪People in Tehran stocked up on basic provisions in response to the threat of strikes
▪People gathered outside power plants in Tabriz in northwestern Iran
▪Iranian media showed people gathering outside electricity stations waving Iranian flags and holding up banners
▪People gathered at Iran's largest power plant near Tehran as part of the mobilization effort
▪Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that 14 million people declared their readiness to sacrifice their lives for defense of Iran
▪Iranian officials called on young people to form human chains around Iran's power plants
▪People gathered on a bridge in Dezful in southwestern Iran that is said to be 1,700 years old

Perspective of Iranian government

▪Iranian officials portrayed the gathering of citizens at power plants as a demonstration of national unity against external threats
▪Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian characterized the human chain mobilization as citizens volunteering to sacrifice their lives for Iran's defense

Perspective of Donald Trump

▪Donald Trump threatened to destroy Iran's civilian infrastructure including power plants if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed
▪Donald Trump set a Tuesday deadline as an ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to avoid American military strikes