Trump Urges Evacuation of Tehran, Declares ‘Iran Cannot Have a Nuclear Weapon’ Amid Intensifying Israel-Iran Conflict
U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Iranian civilians to evacuate Tehran as the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates into its fifth day. His warning follows Iran’s continued refusal to accept a proposed agreement aimed at curbing its nuclear weapons programme.
Trump’s remarks come amid a wave of Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, including reported attacks on key sites on Friday, June 13.
Departing the G7 summit in Canada early on Monday, Trump denied claims that he was heading back to Washington to facilitate a ceasefire. This was in response to French President Emmanuel Macron, who said the U.S. had proposed a truce.
“Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a ceasefire. Much bigger than that,” Trump wrote on Truth Social late Monday.
Reaffirming his stance against a nuclear-armed Iran, Trump declared, “Simply stated, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”
Meanwhile, G7 leaders issued a joint call for de-escalation, describing the ongoing violence as the most severe confrontation yet between the two longtime adversaries. The leaders condemned Iran’s destabilising actions and reiterated that Tehran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. They also expressed firm support for Israel’s right to defend itself.
The conflict continued to intensify on Tuesday, with Iran’s Nournews reporting that an Israeli airstrike on the city of Kashan killed three people and wounded four others. Multiple explosions and air defence activity were reported across Tehran, with smoke visible in the eastern part of the city. Air defences were also activated in Natanz, home to a major nuclear facility.
The Israeli military claimed responsibility for widespread strikes on Iranian military targets, including weapons depots and missile launchers, and announced the killing of Iran’s wartime chief of staff. Israel also targeted Iran’s state broadcasting authority late Monday, with state TV confirming that three people were killed in the strike. Video footage captured the moment a news anchor fled the studio amid an explosion.
In Israel, air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv after midnight and again early Tuesday, followed by loud explosions. Witnesses also reported blasts over Jerusalem and Herzliya, where one building sustained damage.
Iranian officials reported that the death toll had reached 224, mostly civilians. Israel, meanwhile, confirmed 24 civilian deaths and said nearly 3,000 residents had been evacuated due to damage from Iranian strikes.
Eight people were reportedly killed and over 100 injured in Tel Aviv, while the northern port city of Haifa came under heavy Iranian fire early Monday, June 16. The attack destroyed multiple homes and left around 30 people injured. Emergency responders continued search-and-rescue efforts amid the rubble.
