Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced on Tuesday that over 14 million citizens have volunteered to “sacrifice their lives in defence of the country,” amid escalating tensions and airstrikes.
Pezeshkian made this announcement on X, stating, “Over 14 million proud Iranians have, up to this moment, declared their readiness to sacrifice their lives in defence of Iran. I too have been, am, and will be a sacrificer for Iran.”
The Iranian state television echoed the claim, asserting that millions would be ready to fight if there is a US or Israeli ground invasion.
With an estimated population of 90 million, this figure represents a significant increase from April 2nd when Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said around 7 million were willing to defend their nation.
At least 18 people, including two children, were killed in a major airstrike on Tuesday in Iran’s Alborz province, with 24 others injured. Iranian media reported that residential areas were hit near Tehran, and there were indications of heavy bombardment at Khorramabad airport in western Iran.
The Israeli military claimed it had struck a petrochemical plant in Shiraz, alleging the facility was producing materials for ballistic missiles and explosives. Israel also warned of targeting Iran’s railway network, which it claims is used to transport weapons.
Iran’s Red Crescent condemned these strikes as war crimes, stating that 17 civilian areas were targeted, violating international law. Analysts suggest such attacks could bolster domestic support for the government.