NEW DELHI: As hostilities between Iran and Israel entered their fifth consecutive day, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called on Iranian citizens to evacuate Tehran without delay, citing escalating aerial bombardments and missile exchanges between the two nations.
Taking to Truth Social, Trump stated that the ongoing violence could have been avoided if Iran had agreed to limit its nuclear ambitions. “This entire situation is tragic. Iran should have accepted the deal. I’ve said it repeatedly—IRAN MUST NOT POSSESS A NUCLEAR WEAPON. Everyone should leave Tehran immediately!” he posted.
The conflict’s escalation has led Trump to cut short his visit to the G7 Summit in Canada. The White House confirmed that he would depart the summit on Tuesday, a day ahead of schedule, to address the rising turmoil in the Middle East.
Speaking previously to international media on the day Israel initiated its latest military operation, Trump revealed that the US had provided Iran with a 60-day window to reach a nuclear agreement. That period has now elapsed without resolution.
In a subsequent statement, Trump linked his uncompromising approach to Iran with his broader political vision. “AMERICA FIRST means ensuring IRAN NEVER GETS A NUCLEAR WEAPON. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!” he asserted.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Trump’s early exit from the G7, suggesting it might signal renewed diplomatic efforts and placing a potential ceasefire between Iran and Israel as the international community’s top concern.
Explosions were reported across Iranian territory in the early hours of Tuesday, prompting activation of the country’s aerial defence systems. Simultaneously, air raid sirens blared in Tel Aviv following a missile strike, with one blast heard across the Israeli city shortly after midnight.
According to Iranian authorities, the ongoing attacks have resulted in 224 fatalities, primarily civilians. Israeli officials, meanwhile, reported 24 civilian deaths and confirmed that thousands have been evacuated in recent days in response to sustained Iranian attacks.
Amid mounting international pressure, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi took to platform X to urge an end to hostilities. He stated, “If President Trump genuinely seeks a diplomatic resolution, he must push for an immediate halt to Israeli aggression. Unless there is a complete end to military strikes against us, we will be forced to respond.”
As both sides dig in, global leaders continue to call for de-escalation, with fears growing over the consequences of continued military confrontation in the region.
