As missile exchanges intensify for the fifth day, US President Donald Trump urges mass evacuation from Tehran, cancels G7 departure plans, and reiterates Iran must accept a nuclear deal — or face further consequences.
Washington/Tehran, June 17, 2025:
With the Israel-Iran conflict escalating into its fifth consecutive day, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a grave warning late Monday, calling for the immediate evacuation of Tehran. The statement, posted on his Truth Social platform, came as air raid sirens rang out across Tel Aviv and explosions were reported in Tehran and Natanz.
“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… Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” Trump wrote.
The White House confirmed that Trump would cut short his G7 summit visit in Canada, citing the deteriorating Middle East situation. He is expected to convene an emergency National Security Council meeting on return. According to Fox News, the U.S. is considering further military and diplomatic moves.
Also Read: Israel deploys Barak Magen air defence system as conflict with Iran escalates
Air War Escalates
Explosions and anti-aircraft fire were reported over Tehran in the early hours of Tuesday, with Iranian defense systems also activated in Natanz, the site of one of the country’s most sensitive nuclear facilities. According to Iran’s Asriran News, 224 Iranian civilians have died in the past five days, while Israel reported 24 deaths and evacuation of nearly 3,000 residents.
Meanwhile, Israel claims to have destroyed key military targets, including Iran’s state broadcaster, uranium enrichment centers, and the top tier of Iran’s military command. Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told the BBC that 15,000 centrifuges at Natanz had likely been destroyed.
Diplomatic Window Closing
Tehran has reportedly sought the help of Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to mediate a ceasefire, promising flexibility on nuclear negotiations in return. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned on X that unless Israel halts its aggression, Iran’s “responses will continue.”
“If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential,” he said.
Talks scheduled for June 15 in Oman between the U.S. and Iran were canceled amid active hostilities. Trump had earlier given Iran a 60-day deadline to halt uranium enrichment — a deadline that, by his own admission, expired without results.
Netanyahu: “60-Day Chance Given”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government had also offered Iran an alternative path.
“If this [threat] can be solved another way—fine. But we gave it a 60-day chance.”
Netanyahu reaffirmed that Israel was committed to eliminating Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, and claimed Israeli air superiority over Iranian territory had been achieved.
Global Reactions & Oil Price Surge
As the conflict threatens to spiral further, China urged its citizens to evacuate Israel, citing closed airspace and safety concerns. Oil markets reacted instantly, with prices surging more than 2% in early Tuesday trading after Trump’s evacuation warning.
Meanwhile, Trump declined to endorse a G7 draft statement calling for de-escalation. The draft emphasized that Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons and affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense.
“I think a deal will be signed, or something will happen… But Iran is foolish not to sign,” Trump added on the sidelines of the G7.
With diplomacy teetering and both sides vowing further escalation, the Middle East stands on the edge of a wider regional war, with the world watching anxiously.
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Israel Iran war, Donald Trump Tehran evacuation, Operation Rising Lion, Iran nuclear deal, Natanz airstrike, Trump G7 exit, Abbas Araqchi Iran, Benjamin Netanyahu statement, Iran missile attack, Middle East conflict 2025, US Iran diplomacy