Iran Mobilizes Citizens Around Power Plants as Tensions Escalate

In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing confrontation with the United States, Iran has called on its citizens, particularly young people, to form human chains around key national infrastructure, including power plants and oil facilities, as a protective measure against potential attacks, Sky News reports.

The call comes amid renewed threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has warned Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face military consequences. Trump’s looming deadline, set for 1 a.m. UK time on Wednesday, has heightened fears of a wider regional conflict.

Iranian media reported that Kharg Island, a major oil export hub critical to the country’s economy, has again come under attack. “Iran’s Kharg Island has been hit by several strikes,” the Mehr News Agency reported, highlighting the strategic importance of the island.

Previously, U.S. military operations had deliberately avoided damaging Iran’s oil infrastructure, but reports suggest a shift in focus. Axios cited a senior U.S. official confirming fresh strikes on military targets on Kharg Island, raising concerns about potential disruption to oil exports.

The escalation has not been limited to coastal facilities. Iranian outlets also reported attacks on transport infrastructure, including the Yahya Abad railway bridge in Kashan, central Iran, which resulted in casualties. “The Mehr News agency quoted the deputy governor of Isfahan as saying that the strike killed two people,” reports confirmed.

Additional strikes have been reported on the Tabriz-Zanjan freeway in the northwest and a railway in Karaj, northern Iran, following warnings issued by Israeli forces, signaling an intensification of regional hostilities.

Analysts warn that Iran’s call for citizens to physically protect strategic assets underscores both the gravity of the situation and the government’s efforts to rally domestic support amid rising international pressure. With tensions rising between IranMiddle Eastern country”], United States, and Israel, the risk of further escalation remains high, raising concerns for both civilians and global energy markets.