ISLAMABAD (PEN) : As the conflict between Iran and Israel escalates into its fifth consecutive day, former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a warning to civilians in Tehran, urging immediate evacuation amid growing hostilities and fears of a broader regional war.
Trump Calls for Civilian Evacuation, Presses for Nuclear Deal
Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump reiterated his longstanding position against a nuclear-armed Iran and accused the Iranian leadership of rejecting diplomatic efforts to de-escalate.
“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,” Trump wrote. “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”
While Trump denied that the United States was conducting any military operations against Iran, he reaffirmed that U.S. forces would defend American assets in the region. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed this position in an appearance on Fox News.
Tehran Under Fire as Air Defenses Activate
Early Tuesday, Iranian media reported multiple explosions and intense air defense activity in Tehran. Additional sirens and air defense responses were activated in Natanz—home to key Iranian nuclear facilities—around 320 km from the capital, according to Asriran news outlet.
In Israel, air raid sirens were triggered in Tel Aviv and Haifa overnight. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed multiple missile interceptions but acknowledged that Iran’s recent attacks have been among the most effective in decades, breaching Israeli defenses and resulting in civilian casualties.
Civilian Deaths and Displacement Mount
Iranian authorities report 224 deaths, mostly civilians, since the onset of hostilities five days ago. Israel has reported 24 civilian fatalities and the evacuation of nearly 3,000 people due to continued missile threats.
In Haifa, a direct Iranian missile strike prompted an urgent call from the Israeli army for residents to seek shelter. The Israeli Air Force responded with continued aerial operations aimed at intercepting threats and eliminating launch sites.
Macron Supports Ceasefire Initiative
French President Emmanuel Macron described Trump’s early departure from the G7 summit as “helpful” for focusing efforts on brokering a ceasefire.
“There is an offer that has been made… to have a ceasefire and initiate broader discussions. And I think this is a very good thing,” Macron said.
Meanwhile, talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in Oman, previously scheduled for June 15, were canceled due to the intensifying conflict.
Iran Seeks Mediation, Signals Willingness for Talks
Regional sources told Reuters that Iran had reached out to Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to mediate and press the U.S. to influence Israel toward a ceasefire. In return, Tehran has indicated it may show flexibility in future nuclear negotiations.
“If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential,” said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. “Israel must halt its aggression… our responses will continue otherwise.”
Netanyahu Stands Firm on Iran Strategy
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized his government’s goal to dismantle Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities.
“If this can be achieved in another way—fine. But we gave it a 60-day chance,” Netanyahu told reporters.
Trump, in remarks from the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada, said, “I think a deal will be signed… Iran is foolish not to sign.”
However, he refused to endorse a joint G7 statement calling for de-escalation, as the draft emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense and demanded that Iran never possess nuclear weapons.
Natanz Nuclear Site Severely Damaged
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, confirmed to the BBC that Israel’s initial strikes significantly damaged Iran’s Natanz facility, likely destroying up to 15,000 centrifuges. Iran’s Fordow plant, however, remained largely unaffected.
Israel’s air campaign began on June 13 with a surprise assault that reportedly killed several senior Iranian military leaders and top nuclear scientists. Israeli officials claim air superiority over Iranian skies and signal an intent to intensify operations in the days ahead.
Global Oil Prices React
Following Trump’s evacuation alert and renewed fears of wider regional instability, oil prices surged by more than 2% in early Tuesday trading in Asian markets, reversing earlier declines.
As the world watches the volatile conflict unfold, diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes. However, both Tehran and Tel Aviv appear determined to press forward until strategic goals are met or external pressure forces a pause.
