Residents of Tehran gathered in several parts of the capital to show solidarity with the country as tensions deepened following fresh threats from Donald Trump over the ongoing confrontation with Iran.
Videos circulating online showed groups of people assembling near bridges, electricity facilities and other strategic locations, forming human chains around infrastructure viewed as potential targets amid fears of possible military escalation.
Trump had warned on his Truth Social platform that Iran faced devastating consequences if it failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz before a deadline set for midnight GMT Tuesday, suggesting that key infrastructure could be struck if no agreement was reached.
Iranian authorities rejected the pressure, with state-linked media indicating that Tehran is insisting on a complete end to hostilities rather than a temporary ceasefire.
A statement attributed to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that further escalation could trigger a broader regional response affecting energy supplies.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV condemned threats directed at Iran’s civilian population, describing such language as unacceptable and warning that attacks on civilian infrastructure would violate international law. Speaking from Castel Gandolfo, he urged citizens worldwide to press political leaders for a peaceful resolution.
Efforts to prevent further escalation are also underway in Pakistan, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said diplomatic engagement was continuing and proposed a two-week extension for talks.
According to reports, both Washington and Tehran have acknowledged receipt of the proposal, while sources quoted by Reuters said Iranian officials were reviewing it positively.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also confirmed that Trump had been informed of the diplomatic initiative and that a formal response was expected soon
