26 million Iranians volunteer to defend country, including public figures

More than 26 million people in Iran have volunteered for military service, according to the state broadcaster (IRIB). IRIB said the surge comes as part of a campaign titled “Sacrifice Your Life”, noting that volunteers are expected to be deployed alongside the Revolutionary Guard and the regular army. Plans also include forming human chains to protect potential targets. According to the broadcaster, the list of volunteers includes President Masoud Pezeshkian, most of his ministers, as well as a large number of officials, athletes and artists. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has also registered his name among the volunteers. READ: White House signals military option remains on table against Iran