TEHRAN — Iranian officials urged the country’s youth on Tuesday to volunteer for the protection of power plants as a government deadline for bolstering security at energy facilities approaches.
The call was broadcast on state television and posted on official accounts by the Energy Ministry and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Officials described the effort as necessary to safeguard critical infrastructure following the escalation of the conflict that began Feb. 28 with strikes on Iranian military and leadership sites.
Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi said the initiative aimed to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply for homes and industry. “The young people of Iran are the guardians of our nation’s future,” he stated in a televised address. “We call on them to stand ready at power plants and report for duty before the deadline.”
The deadline, set for Thursday, requires volunteer groups to register with local authorities for training and assignment at designated facilities, according to ministry statements. Iranian media reported that similar appeals had been made in past periods of tension, though the current scale appeared larger.
Power plants have come under increased scrutiny since the escalation, with officials citing risks from further strikes or sabotage. State media have shown footage of security patrols at several facilities in recent weeks, but no specific incidents at power plants were detailed in Tuesday’s announcements.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has coordinated the volunteer drive, describing it as a civilian support role alongside regular forces. Officials did not disclose the number of plants involved or the expected number of volunteers, saying only that “thousands” were anticipated to respond.
The appeal reflects broader efforts by Iranian authorities to mobilize public support amid the ongoing regional tensions. The conflict has already affected energy markets internationally, though Iranian officials have not linked domestic power plant security directly to those market effects.
No immediate response to the announcement was issued by U.S. or Israeli officials. Details on the precise threat assessment behind the deadline remain unclear, according to available statements.
As of Tuesday evening, state television reported initial gatherings of volunteers at recruitment centers in Tehran and other major cities. Registration centers remained open through the night, ministry spokesmen said.
The government indicated that volunteer assignments would begin immediately after the Thursday deadline. Further updates on participation and deployment were expected in coming days.
