US, Israel bombard Iran as Trump deadline looms

fear in the air | Tehran asks youths to form human chains to protect power plants as airstrikes kill 18 in Albroz province

Washington/Dubai

Tensions between Washington and Tehran reached a boiling point on Tuesday as the US military launched a heavy barrage of aerial strikes across multiple locations in Iran. An official confirmed that the mission targeted dozens of military targets on Kharg Island, the primary oil export hub for the country, ahead of an 8 pm deadline set by the White House.

US President Donald Trump set the ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that failure to comply would result in a massive bombing campaign against bridges and electric generating plants. "The entire country could be taken out in one night," Trump said, adding that targeted facilities would be left burning and never to be used again.

The strikes on Kharg Island were reportedly precision-based, focusing on military bunkers, storage facilities, and air defence systems rather than energy infrastructure. While the island handles nearly 90% of Iran’s oil exports, officials stated the forces did not strike the oil itself.

Human chains to protect power plants

As the deadline approaches, Iran has urged its citizens to form human chains to protect power plants. Alireza Rahimi, secretary of the Supreme Council of Youth and Adolescents, called on young people, athletes, students, and artistes to shield these national assets.

President Masoud Pezeshkian posted on X that 14 million Iranians, including himself, have volunteered to fight. Despite the heightened rhetoric, diplomatic efforts are reportedly ongoing, though Tehran has rejected the latest American proposal. World leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, warned that striking civilian infrastructure could constitute a war crime under international law.

Death toll rises in Alborz province

A series of intense airstrikes has already pounded Tehran and surrounding regions. An attack in Alborz province, northwest of the capital, killed at least 18 people and wounded 24 others, according to the Mizan news agency.

The Israeli military also confirmed it attacked a petrochemical site in Shiraz. Further strikes were reported at Khorramabad International Airport and various residential neighbourhoods in Tehran, where previous operations have targeted government and security officials.