Iranian officials have called upon the country’s youth to create human chains around critical infrastructure in a move to counter potential strikes by US President Donald Trump. The call was directed at young people, athletes, artists, students, and professors to protect power plants from the threatened military action. Alireza Rahimi, identified as the secretary of the Supreme Council of Youth and Adolescents, urged Iranian youth to safeguard national assets. While Iran has previously organized human chains around nuclear sites during tense moments with the West, this directive may breach international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions.
Under these laws, using human shields for defensive purposes is prohibited, and lawful military targets can still be attacked even if civilians are present. UN Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned the US against targeting civilian infrastructure, which is outlawed under international law. Despite concerns about potential war crimes, Trump expressed determination in pursuing the strikes, emphasizing the need for regime change in Iran for a better future.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties in Iran and Lebanon, with reports of children being involved in military activities in Iran. State TV footage showed civilians gathering in anticipation of Trump’s threats to destroy Iranian infrastructure. Additionally, Iranian authorities have been criticized for encouraging children as young as 12 to join military campaigns, a practice condemned as a violation of international law prohibiting the recruitment of minors for armed forces, constituting a war crime.
