(TJV NEWS) Iranian officials are calling on civilians—especially young people—to form human chains around critical infrastructure as a looming U.S. deadline raises fears of major escalation, according to a report by Military.com.

As tensions intensify, authorities in Tehran have urged students, athletes, artists, and other citizens to gather around power plants and key facilities in a show of unity and protection. The move is intended to shield vital national infrastructure amid growing concerns that the United States could soon launch large-scale strikes.

The call to action comes as former President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum demanding Iran meet specific conditions—reportedly tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz—by Tuesday evening. If those demands are not met, Trump has warned of devastating consequences, including the destruction of major infrastructure such as bridges and energy facilities.

Iranian officials framed the human chain initiative as both symbolic and practical, portraying it as a way for ordinary citizens to defend the country’s economic lifelines and demonstrate national solidarity in the face of external threats.

The situation has escalated rapidly in recent days, with ongoing strikes and counter-threats pushing the region closer to a broader conflict. Trump has made clear that military action remains on the table if Iran fails to comply, even suggesting that the U.S. could target large portions of the country’s infrastructure in a short period of time.

At the same time, Iran has warned it will retaliate if attacked, raising concerns that any strike could trigger a wider regional war involving key Middle Eastern allies and critical global energy routes.

The use of civilians as protective barriers has also drawn scrutiny, with critics warning it could increase the risk of casualties if military action proceeds. Still, Iranian leaders appear to be betting that the presence of large civilian groups around infrastructure sites could deter potential strikes or at least complicate U.S. military planning.

With the deadline fast approaching, diplomatic efforts appear to be running out of time. Negotiations have yet to produce a breakthrough, and both sides remain entrenched in their positions.

As Military.com reports, the coming hours could prove decisive—determining whether the crisis moves toward a last-minute agreement or erupts into a far more destructive phase.