Trump calls for Tehran evacuation as Iran-Israel conflict rages on

TEL AVIV. As hostilities between Israel and Iran continued for a fifth consecutive day on Tuesday, former U.S. President Donald Trump urged civilians in Tehran to evacuate, citing Iran’s refusal to accept a nuclear deal proposed by Washington.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”

The White House announced that Trump would be leaving the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada a day early to address the crisis. Fox News also reported that he would convene a meeting with his National Security Council.

French President Emmanuel Macron described Trump’s early departure from the summit as a “positive move,” aimed at pushing both Iran and Israel to accept a ceasefire proposed by the U.S. “There is an offer that has been made, especially to have a ceasefire and to initiate broader discussions. And I think this is a very good thing,” Macron said.

Reports from Iranian media described explosions and heavy anti-aircraft fire over Tehran early Tuesday, while air defenses were also activated in Natanz, a key nuclear facility 320 kilometers away.

Despite the growing violence, a White House aide denied any U.S. military involvement in attacks on Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that Trump remained committed to reaching a nuclear deal, while asserting that the U.S. would protect its assets in the region.

In Israel, air raid sirens blared across Tel Aviv just after midnight, followed by the sound of explosions as Iranian missiles hit the area. Iran reported 224 deaths, mostly civilians, in five days of conflict, while Israel reported 24 civilian fatalities and nearly 3,000 people evacuated due to the missile damage, according to Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Reuters sources revealed that Iran had sought assistance from Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia in urging Trump to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into agreeing to an immediate ceasefire. In exchange, Iran was reportedly willing to show flexibility in nuclear negotiations.

“If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X. “Israel must halt its aggression, and absent a total cessation of military aggression against us, our responses will continue.”

Netanyahu, for his part, reaffirmed Israel’s goal of eliminating threats from Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, stating, “If this can be achieved in another way—fine. But we gave it a 60-day chance.”

Trump had earlier told Reuters that Iran’s window to halt uranium enrichment had expired without an agreement. Iran, however, insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

Oil prices rose by over 2% in Asian trading on Tuesday following Trump’s evacuation warning, bouncing back from earlier losses as news emerged that Iran was open to ending hostilities.

With Israeli airspace shut due to the conflict, the Chinese embassy in Israel advised its citizens to leave the country via land routes as soon as possible.

The conflict, now considered the most intense military confrontation between Iran and Israel to date, escalated on Monday as Israel targeted Iran’s state broadcaster and uranium enrichment sites. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Grossi told the BBC that the Natanz plant sustained extensive damage, likely destroying 15,000 centrifuges, although the Fordow facility remained mostly intact.

Peace talks between the U.S. and Iran, previously scheduled to take place in Oman on June 15, were canceled after Iran stated it could not negotiate while under active attack.

Israel launched the conflict with a surprise strike that reportedly killed top Iranian military commanders and leading nuclear scientists. Israeli officials claim they now control Iranian airspace and are planning to intensify their campaign.

Despite the escalation, Trump expressed optimism about a possible deal. “As I’ve been saying, I think a deal will be signed, or something will happen, but a deal will be signed, and I think Iran is foolish not to sign,” he said during the G7 summit in Canada.

A U.S. official confirmed that Trump would not sign the draft G7 statement, which calls for de-escalation of the conflict, reiterates that Iran must never possess nuclear weapons, and affirms Israel’s right to self-defense.