Iran urges youth to form human chains around power plants as Trump deadline looms
Tehran’s call for civilians to guard energy sites comes as the U.S. and Israel strike Kharg Island and the ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz nears.
Apr 7, 2026, 9:09 AM EDT
Why it matters:
- Tehran is mobilizing civilians to guard critical energy infrastructure as the U.S.-Israel campaign intensifies and a U.S. deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz nears. The move raises the risk of civilian casualties and could further disrupt global oil flows.
Driving the news:
- Iran’s deputy minister of Youth and Sports, Alireza Rahimi, urged young people, artists and athletes to form “human chains” around power plants at 12:30 local time, according to a video posted on X.
- A first Iranian artist, Ali Ghamsari, posted that he was sitting cross-legged in front of one of the country’s power plants in response to the call.
State of play:
- The U.S. and Israel struck Kharg Island, a key hub for Iran’s oil industry, as the deadline approached. Iran’s Mehr news agency reported multiple explosions on the island, while U.S. sources told CNN and the Wall Street Journal that only military targets were hit and oil facilities were spared.
- Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said Tehran’s position is being distorted by U.S. media and praised Pakistan’s offer to host talks, while insisting on conditions for a “definitive and lasting” end to the war.
By the numbers:
- Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, said more than 14 million Iranians have so far pledged to “sacrifice their lives” to defend the country, according to Mehr and the dailies Shargh and Ham Mihan.
- The U.S. and Israel targeted more than 50 sites, according to the Wall Street Journal citing U.S. sources.
What they're saying:
- “The American-Zionist enemy carried out several attacks on Kharg Island and several explosions were heard,” Mehr reported.
- JD Vance said the U.S. has largely achieved its military objectives in Iran and expects a response from Tehran before the deadline.
Reality check:
- The call to form human chains around energy sites blurs the line between civilian protection and potential shielding of critical infrastructure, raising the risk of civilian harm if strikes continue.
What to watch:
- Whether the U.S. deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is met and if further strikes target energy infrastructure or remain focused on military sites.
- Any breakthrough in Pakistan-facilitated talks or a shift in Tehran’s stance on negotiations.
The bottom line:
- Tehran is rallying civilians to guard energy sites as the U.S.-Israel campaign intensifies and the Hormuz deadline nears, raising the stakes for both Iran and global markets.