Dubai: Even as US president Donald Trump’s deadline draws near, Iran has mobilized its youth, calling upon them to form human chains around power plants. Alireza Rahimi, secretary of the Supreme Council of Youth and Adolescents, emphasized the significance of these facilities as vital for the future of Iran.
If Iran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz by his Tuesday 8 pm EDT deadline, he may resort to bombing Iran’s power plants and bridges, Trump has warned.
“The entire country can be taken out in one night,” the US president said. Iran blocked shipping through the Strait US-Israeli airstrikes on its territory on February 28 set-off the present crisis in West Asia.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military issued a warning to Iranians on Tuesday, advising them to avoid train travel until at least 9 pm local time, suggesting a potential new target for airstrikes.
“Your presence puts your life at risk,”‘ Israel warned through the alert on X.
It is not known how many Iranian citizens got to see the alert, given restrictions on the internet imposed by the government. Farsi-language satellite news outlets continue to disseminate information within the country though, as reported by timesnow.in.
Iran launched seven ballistic missiles towards Saudi Arabia early on Tuesday. Though the missiles were intercepted, debris was reported to have fallen near energy facilities. The Saudi Defense Ministry is currently assessing the extent of the damage.
Saudi Arabia has implemented precautionary measures, closing the King Fahd Causeway, a crucial connection for Bahrain, which hosts the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet, in response to the missile strikes.
The blockade at the Strait has adversely affected oil prices, with Brent crude surpassing $111 per barrel, reflecting a 50% increase since the conflict began. Trump issued the ultimatum to Iran after coming under domestic pressure as consumer prices rise.
International leaders, including New Zealand prime minister Christopher Luxon, have cautioned against such military actions, deeming them unacceptable and urging for restraint to prevent further escalation.
UN secretary-general António Guterres has reiterated that attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international law. Despite this, Trump has expressed no concern regarding potential war crimes that could arise from his military threats.
As diplomatic efforts continue, despite Iran’s rejection of a recent U.S. ceasefire proposal, discussions are reportedly ongoing to find a resolution to the conflict.
