Trump warns Iranians to 'evacuate Tehran now' as Israel-Iran war spirals toward nuclear flashpoint

The escalating war between Israel and Iran took a dangerous turn on June 17 as US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning for Iranians to "immediately evacuate" Tehran, raising fears of a potential nuclear confrontation.

As the conflict entered its fifth day, Trump posted on Truth Social, slamming Tehran’s refusal to curb its nuclear program. “Iran should have signed the deal I offered. What a shame, and waste of human life,” he wrote. “Simply stated: IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I’ve said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran.”

Trump’s urgent call came as the White House announced his abrupt departure from the G7 summit in Canada, cutting short his visit amid spiraling violence in the Middle East. Explosions were reported overnight in both Iran and Israel, with air raid sirens blaring across Tel Aviv past midnight.

At the summit, French President Emmanuel Macron called Trump’s early exit “a positive signal” for diplomacy, stressing that halting the Israel-Iran war must remain the highest priority.

According to Iranian officials, at least 224 people—mostly civilians—have been killed since hostilities began, while Israel reported 24 civilian deaths and the evacuation of thousands due to intensifying Iranian strikes.

Trump, who previously warned Iran to halt uranium enrichment within 60 days, tied his firm stance to his trademark slogan: “AMERICA FIRST means many GREAT things, including the fact that IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!”

As diplomatic channels scramble, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi signaled a conditional willingness to halt the conflict, stating on X: “If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy, Israel must stop its aggression. Without total cessation, our response will continue.”

With both sides locked in escalating strikes and no ceasefire in sight, the region teeters on the edge of an unprecedented crisis.