Iran s president says 14 million have volunteered to sacrifice their lives

Iran’s president announced on Tuesday that 14 million Iranians, including himself, are willing to sacrifice their lives in the ongoing war. President Masoud Pezeshkian shared this statement on X, just before the U.S. President Donald Trump’s deadline, which threatens to bomb Iran’s power stations and bridges if the country does not ease its control over the Strait of Hormuz. This number is double the previous estimates from state media regarding volunteers who have been recruited through text messages and other media during the conflict. With a population of 90 million, many Iranians are upset with the government due to its violent response to nationwide protests. The claim of 14 million volunteers seems to be an effort to discourage the anticipated U.S. bombing campaign. Pezeshkian stated, “More than 14 million Iranian people have declared their readiness to sacrifice their lives in the (self-sacrificing) campaign.” He added, “I too have been, am, and will remain ready to give my life for Iran.”