Trump calls for Tehran evacuation amid escalating Iran-Israel conflict

Tuesday 17 June 2025 - 07:30

By: Zahouani Ilham

Trump calls for Tehran evacuation amid escalating Iran-Israel conflict

As the military confrontation between Iran and Israel entered its fifth day, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iranian citizens to evacuate Tehran, citing Iran’s refusal to agree to a deal limiting nuclear weapons development. The conflict has drawn international concern, with G7 leaders gathered in Canada calling for immediate de-escalation and reiterating that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon, while also affirming Israel’s right to self-defense.

Trump, who left the G7 summit early due to developments in the Middle East, denied claims that his departure was related to a ceasefire initiative mentioned by French President Emmanuel Macron. Writing on his Truth Social account, Trump said the reason for his return to Washington had “nothing to do” with a truce and pointed to broader concerns.

Reaffirming his position, Trump declared that Iran “must never have a nuclear weapon” and urged all residents of Tehran to evacuate immediately.

Meanwhile, tensions intensified on the ground. Iranian media reported Israeli strikes in Kashan that killed three people and injured four. Explosions and anti-aircraft fire were reported in Tehran and Natanz, a site housing major nuclear facilities. The Israeli military claimed to have killed Iran’s wartime chief of staff and targeted several strategic locations, including weapons depots and missile launchers.

On Monday night, Israel struck Iranian state television headquarters, killing three people, as footage showed a news anchor fleeing during a broadcast. In Israel, air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and surrounding cities, with reports of damage in Herzliya.

Casualties continue to rise: Iranian officials reported 224 dead, mostly civilians, while Israel counted 24 civilian deaths and evacuated nearly 3,000 residents.

Diplomatic backchannels are reportedly active. Axios said the White House is exploring a meeting between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Iran is said to be reaching out to Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to mediate with the U.S. and pressure Israel into a ceasefire. In exchange, Tehran signaled willingness to be more flexible in nuclear talks.

Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and insists on its rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Israel, not a signatory to the NPT, is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons but has never officially confirmed this.

The conflict also impacted energy markets, with oil prices jumping more than 2% following Trump’s evacuation warning. Meanwhile, China advised its citizens in Israel to leave via land routes due to growing security concerns and airspace closures.

The scale of the current military exchanges is unprecedented. Israel has launched attacks on Iranian nuclear infrastructure, including the Natanz facility, which reportedly sustained heavy damage and the loss of thousands of centrifuges. Talks previously set between Iran and the U.S. in Oman were canceled, with Iran saying negotiations are impossible while under attack.

Israel claims it has gained air superiority over Iranian territory and vows to intensify its military campaign unless Iran changes course. Trump continues to assert that an end to hostilities is possible—if Tehran agrees to U.S. conditions.