Image: from OSINTdefender X@sentdefender
By Open Chronicle News Desk
TEHRAN – As the shadow of military conflict lengthens over the Persian Gulf, Iranian authorities have moved to transform the capital’s sprawling underground infrastructure into a massive civil defense network. The Tehran Crisis Management Organization announced on Saturday that dozens of metro stations and hundreds of parking facilities have been formally designated as emergency shelters.
The move follows a directive from the Passive Defense Committee of Tehran Municipality to prepare for potential strikes as tensions with the United States reach a breaking point.
A City Bracing for Impact
Ali Nasiri, head of the Tehran Crisis Management Organization, revealed that a comprehensive audit of the city’s safety zones has been completed. The strategy focuses heavily on the metro system, with 82 stations now officially recognized as fortified shelters. These sites are currently being outfitted with:
-
Essential living facilities, including restrooms and ventilation.
-
Strategic reserves of food and potable water.
-
Standardized signage to guide residents during an emergency.
Beyond the rail network, authorities have identified 300 underground spaces, including large-scale parking lots and public complexes. Once fully permitted and equipped, these facilities are expected to provide cover for approximately 2.5 million residents.
Lessons from the “12-Day War.”
The urgency of these preparations stems from the direct military confrontation between Iran and Israel in June 2025. During that unprecedented 12-day conflict, thousands of Tehran residents instinctively sought refuge in the metro system. Since then, the government has transitioned from reactive measures to a formalized “Passive Defense” strategy.
The logistical challenge remains immense. Tehran’s metropolitan population swells to nearly 16 million during the day, meaning current shelter capacities still face significant gaps. A survey of 518 older shelters located in schools found that only 20% are currently restorable for modern use.
The Trump “Armada” and the Threat of Escalation
The timing of Tehran’s civil defense push coincides with a sharp increase in rhetoric from Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced that a naval “armada” is en route to the region, a move Tehran has characterized as a direct provocation.
In response, the Iranian government has maintained a defiant posture, stating it is prepared to respond “forcefully” to any violation of its territory. As the American fleet nears the coast, the residents of Tehran are looking increasingly toward the reinforced concrete of their subway system for safety.