07/04/2026
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07/04/2026
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TEHRAN (AP), Apr 7: Iran’s president has claimed that millions of citizens, including himself, are prepared to “sacrifice their lives” amid escalating tensions with the United States and threats of possible military strikes.
Masoud Pezeshkian said on Tuesday that more than 14 million Iranians had volunteered for what he described as a “self-sacrificing campaign,” as pressure mounts ahead of a reported U.S. deadline tied to the Strait of Hormuz.
“More than 14 million Iranian people have declared their readiness to sacrifice their lives in the (self-sacrificing) campaign,” Pezeshkian wrote on X. “I too have been, am, and will remain ready to give my life for Iran.”
The remarks came as tensions escalate between Tehran and Washington, with U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly warning of potential strikes on Iranian infrastructure if demands regarding shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz are not met.
The figure cited by the Iranian president is significantly higher than previous state media references to volunteer mobilization campaigns during the ongoing conflict period.
Iran, a country of roughly 90 million people, has faced continued internal unrest and international pressure, including criticism over its crackdown on nationwide protests in recent years. Analysts note that the statement appears aimed at projecting domestic unity and deterrence amid growing external threats.
Neither U.S. officials nor independent observers have verified the claim regarding the scale of volunteer participation.
