Iran-Israel War Escalates, Trump Urges Evacuation of Tehran — Issues Warning Over Nuclear Deal Rejection

Iran-Israel War Escalates, Trump Urges Evacuation of Tehran — Issues Warning Over Nuclear Deal Rejection
Washington, June 17, 2025 — Amid five days of ongoing airstrikes and retaliatory attacks between Israel and Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Iranian citizens to leave Tehran immediately. He stated that the warning is being issued in response to Iran's rejection of a nuclear arms control agreement.

At the G7 summit held in Canada, world leaders reached a consensus on de-escalating the conflict, emphasizing:
“Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons, and Israel has the right to self-defense.”

French President Emmanuel Macron noted that due to the alarming situation in the Middle East, President Trump left the summit a day early and has proposed a ceasefire initiative.
Macron said:
“There is a proposal for a ceasefire and broader negotiations. I believe this is a positive step. Now it's crucial for the involved parties to make decisions.”

Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform:
“Iran didn’t sign the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. It’s tragic and a waste of human life. I’ve said it again and again — Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. Everyone must evacuate Tehran immediately!”

According to a report by Axios, a meeting between U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi may take place later this week. However, Reuters could not independently verify this information.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News:
“President Trump is still pursuing a nuclear deal with Iran, but if necessary, the U.S. will take steps to protect its interests in the Middle East.”

Iranian media reported explosions and the activation of air defense systems early Tuesday in Tehran. Smoke was seen rising in the eastern part of the city.

In Natanz — home to one of Iran’s major nuclear facilities — air defense systems were also reported to be active.

On Monday night, Israel struck Iran’s state broadcasting center. During a live TV broadcast, the anchor abruptly left the studio. Iranian state television reported that two people were killed in the attack.

In Israel, air raid sirens went off in Tel Aviv just after midnight, though no immediate casualties were reported.

Iranian officials claim that 224 people have been killed over the past five days, most of them civilians.
Israel, meanwhile, reported 24 civilian deaths and said around 3,000 people have been relocated to safer areas.

According to information provided to Reuters, Iran has asked Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — through President Trump — to agree to a ceasefire. In return, Iran may show flexibility in nuclear negotiations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“If President Trump genuinely wants diplomacy and is interested in stopping the war, then the next steps will be critical. Israel must halt its aggression — otherwise, our response will continue.”