Masoud Pezeshkian signals defiance as Donald Trump sets deadline over Strait of Hormuz
April 7, 2026: Masoud Pezeshkian has vowed to sacrifice his life for the country, projecting strong defiance as tensions escalate with the United States. In a post on X, he said over 14 million Iranians have registered their willingness to defend the nation, adding that he remains committed to the same cause. His remarks come as Donald Trump pushes a deadline for reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
Despite mounting pressure from Washington, Iran has shown no signs of backing down. Authorities have urged citizens, especially youth, to form protective human chains around key installations like power plants, amid fears of US and Israeli strikes. Tehran has also rejected calls for a temporary ceasefire, instead demanding a permanent end to the conflict.
Meanwhile, strikes have intensified across Iran, with reports of attacks on petrochemical sites in Shiraz and casualties in multiple regions. The conflict is also spilling across the Gulf, with missile launches towards Saudi Arabia and precautionary shutdowns of key routes linking it to Bahrain. As tensions rise, the region faces the risk of a broader and more volatile confrontation.