With US President Donald Trump’s deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz drawing closer, Iran has called on its youth to stage a symbolic show of solidarity. Iran's Ministry of Sports and Youth have urged young people, including students, artists and athletes, to gather around key power plants across the country at 2:00 pm local time on Tuesday.
The timing is significant, coming roughly 13 hours before the deadline set by Trump, which expires at 3:30 am local time on Wednesday.
Iran’s Deputy of Youth Affairs, Alireza Rahimi, said in a video message, “This action (the human chain) has been formed at the suggestion of the youth themselves.” He added, “A number of university youth, young artists, and youth organisations proposed that we form a human ring or human chain around the country's power plants.”
The Iranian minister has said that the “symbolic action is called the 'Human Chain of Iran's Youth for a Bright Future." “We hope that with the participation of young people across the country, this human chain will be formed around the power plants, and it will be a sign of the youth's commitment to protecting the country's infrastructure and building a bright future”, Rahimi added.
Also Read | Is China preparing for war? 40-day airspace block triggers tensions
JUST IN: 🇮🇷🇺🇸 Iran urges young people to shield power plants with human chains as US President Trump threatens strikes. pic.twitter.com/JE5qdH0N1f
— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) April 6, 2026
Trump expands threats
As the deadline approaches, Trump has intensified his warnings.
“The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night,” Trump said, indicating the urgency of his ultimatum. He also warned, “Every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 o'clock tomorrow night,” and claimed power plants would be left “burning, exploding and never to be used again.”
When questioned about possible war crimes, Trump responded, “No, not at all.” He further claimed that Iranian citizens are “willing to suffer” in pursuit of “freedom,” though there has been no visible sign of a public uprising as people continue to take shelter amid ongoing strikes.
Talks continue amid rising tensions
The US has been urging Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz for international navigation or else face serious repercussions. Meanwhile, Israel has been exerting more pressure on Iran by attacking one of their petrochemical facilities and murdering a high-ranking intelligence official associated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
Also Read | Donald Trump drops a cryptic time hint: What's expected on Tuesday night?
Nevertheless, diplomatic efforts continue. Iran has turned down a proposed 45-day ceasefire, instead pushing for a permanent end to hostilities. According to Iran’s state-run IRNA, Tehran has conveyed a 10-point proposal to Pakistan, which is serving as a mediator.
“We only accept an end of the war with guarantees that we won't be attacked again,” Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour, head of Iran's diplomatic mission in Cairo, told The Associated Press.
Despite heightened rhetoric, backchannel discussions are ongoing. A regional official involved in the negotiations said, “We are still talking to both sides,” while Trump has also indicated that dialogue has not completely stalled.
