Iran declares 7 million people ready to take up arms and fight

Iran states about 7 million people are ready to take up arms to defend the country, as the US is reportedly preparing for a potential ground operation.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf announced on 2/4/2026 that a robust national campaign, launched less than a week ago, has mobilized about 7 million Iranian volunteers who have declared their readiness to take up arms to defend the country. Iran's population is approximately 90 million.

Ghalibaf stressed that Iran does not seek war but will resolutely defend itself if attacked. He added that when the nation faces threats, all Iranians are prepared to act as soldiers.

The Speaker stated, "The people do not merely speak of defending the country; they have sacrificed their lives in the past and are ready to do so again." He warned, "Any attack on Iran will be met with a collective response, akin to confronting an entire family. We are in a state of combat readiness, fully armed, and highly determined."

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in a photo posted on 7/3/2026. Photo: PressTV

According to the Associated Press (AP), reports of 7 million Iranians prepared to take up arms have circulated on social media for days. However, Ghalibaf is the first senior Tehran official to publicly confirm this figure.

The origin of this figure remains unclear. Nevertheless, Iranian citizens have been urged to volunteer through state media and various messaging campaigns. The government has also encouraged former military personnel to express their willingness to participate in combat.

This announcement follows Ghalibaf's accusation on 29/3/2026 that the US was secretly preparing ground attack plans while simultaneously sending messages about negotiations.

The Washington Post, citing an anonymous US official, reported internal discussions within the Trump administration regarding potential operations. These included occupying Kharg Island, a crucial Iranian oil export hub, and conducting raids on coastal areas to lift any blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

On 30/3/2026, Reuters reported that soldiers from the US 82nd Airborne Division had arrived in the Middle East to prepare for future operational scenarios. The US military had previously announced the deployment of the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, carrying 2,500 marines, to the region. Both forces are considered capable of executing a mission to seize Kharg Island.

Iranian Army Commander Abdolrahim Hatami issued an order on 2/4/2026, instructing units "not to let any attacker survive" should an adversary launch a ground operation.