Iran Plans 'Human Chains' Around Power Plants Amid Trump's Deadline

Tehran calls on citizens to form symbolic barriers to deter potential US airstrikes on civilian infrastructure.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:21am

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A vibrant, fragmented painting depicting an Iranian power plant surrounded by a swirling mass of human figures, conveying the chaotic energy and high stakes of the geopolitical standoff.As tensions rise, Iranians form a symbolic human barrier to protect their nation's critical infrastructure from potential US airstrikes.Washington Today

Amid escalating tensions with the US, Iran's Deputy Sports Minister Alireza Rahimi has called on the nation's athletes, artists, students, and faculty to form 'human chains' around power plants on Tuesday. This symbolic and physical attempt to deter potential airstrikes comes in response to President Trump's ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face the destruction of critical facilities, which Iranian officials have called a 'war crime' that violates international law.

Why it matters

The threat of US airstrikes on Iranian power plants and other civilian infrastructure has raised concerns about the potential for civilian casualties and the violation of international laws governing armed conflict. Iran's plan to form human shields around these facilities is a direct response aimed at deterring such attacks and protecting its people.

The details

In a video message, Rahimi invited all youth, athletes, artists, students and faculty to gather near power plants at 2 PM local time on Tuesday. 'These are our wealth and belongings,' he said, calling the potential US strikes a 'war crime.' Trump had given Iran until 8 PM ET on Tuesday to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that failure to comply would result in a massive bombing campaign to leave the country's power plants and bridges 'burning, exploding, and never to be used again' within a four-hour window.

  • Trump set an 8 PM ET deadline on Tuesday for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Rahimi called on Iranians to form human chains around power plants at 2 PM local time on Tuesday.

The players

Alireza Rahimi

Iran's Deputy Sports Minister who called on citizens to form human chains around power plants.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who issued an ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face the destruction of its power plants and bridges.

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What they’re saying

“These are our wealth and belongings”

— Alireza Rahimi, Iran's Deputy Sports Minister

“Attacking public infrastructure is a war crime. We will stand hand in hand to say: civilian lives are not targets.”

— Alireza Rahimi, Iran's Deputy Sports Minister

“The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

What’s next

Iranian officials at the United Nations have argued that the US threats constitute 'incitement to terrorism' and a violation of international law regarding the protection of civilian life-support systems. The international community will be closely watching to see if the US follows through on its ultimatum and whether Iran's human shield tactic is successful in deterring any potential airstrikes.

The takeaway

This escalating conflict between the US and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz highlights the growing tensions and the risk of civilian casualties if the situation continues to deteriorate. Iran's plan to form human shields around power plants is a desperate attempt to protect its people, but the ultimate resolution may require diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis and uphold international laws governing armed conflict.