Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran's parliament, announced that 7 million Iranians are prepared to defend the country against a potential US ground invasion. This declaration follows escalating tensions due to military operations by the US and Israel against Iran. Ghalibaf's comments, made via social media, indicate a national campaign encouraging citizens to volunteer for defense, with reports of the government seeking retired soldiers and even recruiting children as young as 12 into the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard's Basij force. The claim of 7 million ready fighters has gained traction on social media, although its origin remains unclear. In response to these developments, US President Donald Trump has warned of military action if a resolution to the conflict is not reached soon, particularly regarding the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which has seen a significant drop in shipping traffic compared to the previous year.