Desk Correspondent , Tehran - Iranians have begun forming human chains around critical infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, in a show of defiance against looming US strikes as President Donald Trump’s deadline on the Strait of Hormuz nears. State media and videos show thousands gathering at sites such as the Kazeroon power plant, White Bridge in Ahvaz, and Moallem Square in Bushehr, urged on by officials calling for youth, athletes, artists, and students to physically shield civilian facilities.

Iran’s Ministry of Sports and Youth, led by Deputy Minister Alireza Rahimi, has mobilised the public to form these chains starting Tuesday afternoon local time, framing the action as a voluntary stand against what Tehran calls potential “war crimes” on civilian infrastructure. Demonstrators waved flags, chanted slogans of unity, and vowed sacrifice to protect power grids and transport links, with some reports estimating millions participating nationwide amid fears of Trump’s threatened “hell” on power plants and bridges.

The human chain campaign comes hours before Trump’s 20:00 ET Tuesday deadline (04:30 IST Wednesday), following US strikes on military targets on Kharg Island and Trump’s warning that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” if Iran does not comply. Iranian leaders have rejected short term ceasefires, insisting on a permanent end to hostilities, while the protests signal rising national resolve and psychological resistance against what they portray as existential threats from the US and Israel.