Trump urges Tehran evacuation as Iran-Israel conflict enters fifth day
By
Alexander Cornwell
and
Parisa Hafezi
, Reuters
US President Donald Trump.
Photo:
AFP
US President Donald Trump urged Iranians to evacuate Tehran, citing what he says is its government's rejection of a deal to curb nuclear weapons development, as Israel and Iran attacked each other for a fifth straight day.
World leaders meeting at the Group of Seven summit in Canada called for a de-escalation of the worst-ever conflict between the regional foes, saying Iran was a source of instability and must never have a nuclear weapon while affirming Israel's right to defend itself.
Trump, who left the summit early due to the Middle East situation, said his departure had "nothing to do with" working on a deal between Israel and Iran after French President Emmanuel Macron said the US had initiated a ceasefire proposal.
"Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire. Much bigger than that," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform late on Monday (US Time).
The US president had earlier said Iran should have signed a deal with the United States and urged residents to evacuate the Iranian capital.
"Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!" Trump said.
Three people were killed and four injured in Iran's central city of Kashan in an Israeli attack, Iran's Nournews reported on Tuesday (US Time).
Iranian media also reported explosions and heavy air defence fire in Tehran, with smoke rising in the city's east after an explosion of suspected Israeli projectiles.
Air defences were activated also in Natanz, home to key nuclear installations 320 km (200 miles) away, the Asriran news website reported.
Israel's military said on Tuesday that it killed Iran's wartime chief of staff.
Israel also said it carried out extensive strikes on Iranian military targets including weapons storage sites and missile launchers.
Late on Monday (US time), Israel said it hit Iran's broadcasting authority, and
footage showed a newsreader hurrying from her seat as a blast struck
.
Iranian state television said the strike killed three people.
In Israel,
air raid sirens wailed in Tel Aviv
after midnight and again early in the morning, when several explosions were heard over the city.
Reuters witnesses heard explosions over Jerusalem and the city of Herzliya, where there were reports of damage to a building.
Iranian officials have reported 224 deaths, mostly civilians, while Israel said 24 civilians had been killed.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said nearly 3,000 Israelis had been evacuated due to damage from Iranian strikes.
Axios reported the White House is discussing with Iran the possibility of a meeting this week between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Reuters couldn't immediately verify details of the Axios report.
Defence secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News that Trump was still aiming for a nuclear deal with Iran, while adding the US would defend its assets in the region.
Sources told Reuters that Tehran had asked Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to urge Trump to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to an immediate ceasefire. In return, Iran would show flexibility in nuclear negotiations, according to two Iranian and three regional sources.
"If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X.
"Israel must halt its aggression, and absent a total cessation of military aggression against us, our responses will continue."
Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and has pointed to its right to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including enrichment, as a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Israel, which is not a party to the NPT, is the only country in the Middle East widely believed to have nuclear weapons. Israel does not deny or confirm that.
Oil prices rallied more than 2 percent early in Asia on Tuesday after Trump's evacuation warning, reversing losses on Monday amid reports that Iran was seeking an end to hostilities.
Israeli rescuers search through the rubble of a heavily damaged building, following an overnight Iranian missile strike in Bat Yam on 15 June 2025.
Photo:
Gil Cohen-Magen / AFP
With security concerns growing and Israeli airspace closed because of the war, the Chinese embassy in Israel urged its citizens to leave the country via land border crossings as soon as possible.
The Iran-Israel air war - the biggest battle ever between the two longtime enemies - escalated on Monday with Israel targeting Iran's uranium enrichment facilities.
Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi told the BBC that the Natanz plant sustained extensive damage, likely destroying 15,000 centrifuges, while Iran's Fordow plant remained largely intact.
Talks between the United States and Iran, hosted by Oman, had been scheduled for June 15 but were scrapped, with Tehran saying it could not negotiate while under attack.
Israel launched its air war with a surprise attack that has killed nearly the entire top echelon of Iran's military commanders and its leading nuclear scientists.
It said it now had control of Iranian airspace and intended to escalate the campaign in the coming days.
Trump had consistently said the Israeli assault could end quickly if Iran agreed to US demands that it accepted strict curbs on its nuclear programme.
-
Reuters
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
8 hours ago
- RNZ News
Trump urges Tehran evacuation as Iran-Israel conflict enters fifth day
By Alexander Cornwell and Parisa Hafezi , Reuters US President Donald Trump. Photo: AFP US President Donald Trump urged Iranians to evacuate Tehran, citing what he says is its government's rejection of a deal to curb nuclear weapons development, as Israel and Iran attacked each other for a fifth straight day. World leaders meeting at the Group of Seven summit in Canada called for a de-escalation of the worst-ever conflict between the regional foes, saying Iran was a source of instability and must never have a nuclear weapon while affirming Israel's right to defend itself. Trump, who left the summit early due to the Middle East situation, said his departure had "nothing to do with" working on a deal between Israel and Iran after French President Emmanuel Macron said the US had initiated a ceasefire proposal. "Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire. Much bigger than that," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform late on Monday (US Time). The US president had earlier said Iran should have signed a deal with the United States and urged residents to evacuate the Iranian capital. "Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!" Trump said. Three people were killed and four injured in Iran's central city of Kashan in an Israeli attack, Iran's Nournews reported on Tuesday (US Time). Iranian media also reported explosions and heavy air defence fire in Tehran, with smoke rising in the city's east after an explosion of suspected Israeli projectiles. Air defences were activated also in Natanz, home to key nuclear installations 320 km (200 miles) away, the Asriran news website reported. Israel's military said on Tuesday that it killed Iran's wartime chief of staff. Israel also said it carried out extensive strikes on Iranian military targets including weapons storage sites and missile launchers. Late on Monday (US time), Israel said it hit Iran's broadcasting authority, and footage showed a newsreader hurrying from her seat as a blast struck . Iranian state television said the strike killed three people. In Israel, air raid sirens wailed in Tel Aviv after midnight and again early in the morning, when several explosions were heard over the city. Reuters witnesses heard explosions over Jerusalem and the city of Herzliya, where there were reports of damage to a building. Iranian officials have reported 224 deaths, mostly civilians, while Israel said 24 civilians had been killed. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said nearly 3,000 Israelis had been evacuated due to damage from Iranian strikes. Axios reported the White House is discussing with Iran the possibility of a meeting this week between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Reuters couldn't immediately verify details of the Axios report. Defence secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News that Trump was still aiming for a nuclear deal with Iran, while adding the US would defend its assets in the region. Sources told Reuters that Tehran had asked Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to urge Trump to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to an immediate ceasefire. In return, Iran would show flexibility in nuclear negotiations, according to two Iranian and three regional sources. "If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X. "Israel must halt its aggression, and absent a total cessation of military aggression against us, our responses will continue." Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and has pointed to its right to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including enrichment, as a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Israel, which is not a party to the NPT, is the only country in the Middle East widely believed to have nuclear weapons. Israel does not deny or confirm that. Oil prices rallied more than 2 percent early in Asia on Tuesday after Trump's evacuation warning, reversing losses on Monday amid reports that Iran was seeking an end to hostilities. Israeli rescuers search through the rubble of a heavily damaged building, following an overnight Iranian missile strike in Bat Yam on 15 June 2025. Photo: Gil Cohen-Magen / AFP With security concerns growing and Israeli airspace closed because of the war, the Chinese embassy in Israel urged its citizens to leave the country via land border crossings as soon as possible. The Iran-Israel air war - the biggest battle ever between the two longtime enemies - escalated on Monday with Israel targeting Iran's uranium enrichment facilities. Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi told the BBC that the Natanz plant sustained extensive damage, likely destroying 15,000 centrifuges, while Iran's Fordow plant remained largely intact. Talks between the United States and Iran, hosted by Oman, had been scheduled for June 15 but were scrapped, with Tehran saying it could not negotiate while under attack. Israel launched its air war with a surprise attack that has killed nearly the entire top echelon of Iran's military commanders and its leading nuclear scientists. It said it now had control of Iranian airspace and intended to escalate the campaign in the coming days. Trump had consistently said the Israeli assault could end quickly if Iran agreed to US demands that it accepted strict curbs on its nuclear programme. - Reuters
Scoop
9 hours ago
- Scoop
Decoding PNG Leader Marape's Discussions With President Macron
Analysis - The recent series of high-level agreements between Papua New Guinea and France marks a significant development in PNG's geopolitical relationships, driven by what appears to be a convergence of national interests. The "deepening relationship" is less about a single personality and more about a calculated alignment of economic, security, and diplomatic priorities with PNG, taking full advantage of its position as the biggest, most strategically placed player in the Pacific. An examination of the key outcomes reveals a partnership of mutual benefit, reflecting both PNG's strategic diversification and France's own long-term ambitions as a Pacific power. A primary driver is the shared economic rationale. From Port Moresby's perspective, the partnership offers a clear path to economic diversification and resilience. But many in PNG have been watching with keen interest and asking: how bad does PNG want this? While Prime Minister James Marape offered France a Special Economic Zone in Port Moresby (SEZ) for French businesses, he also named the lookout at Port Moresby's Variarata National Park after President Emmanuel Macron drawing the ire of many in the country. The proposal to establish a SEZ specifically for French industries is a notable attempt to attract capital from beyond PNG's traditional partners. This is strategically coupled with securing the future of the multi-billion-dollar Papua LNG project. Macron's personal undertaking to work with TotalEnergies to keep the project on schedule provides crucial stability for one of PNG's most significant economic ventures. For France, these arrangements secure a major energy investment for its national corporate champion and establish a stronger economic foothold in a strategically vital region between Asia and the Pacific. In the area of security, the relationship addresses tangible needs for both nations. PNG is faced with the immense challenge of monitoring a 2.4 million square kilometre Exclusive Economic Zone, making it vulnerable to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The finalisation of a Shiprider Agreement with France provides a practical force-multiplier, leveraging French naval assets to enhance PNG's maritime surveillance capabilities. This move, along with planned defence talks on air and maritime cooperation, allows PNG to diversify its security architecture. For France, a resident power with territories like New Caledonia and French Polynesia, participating in regional security operations reinforces its role and commitment to stability in the Indo-Pacific. The partnership is also a vehicle for elevating diplomatic influence. Port Moresby has noted the significance of engaging with a partner that holds permanent membership on the UN Security Council and seats at the G7 and G20. This alignment provides PNG with a powerful channel to global decision-making forums. The reciprocal move to establish a PNG embassy in Paris further cements the relationship on a mature footing. The diplomatic synergy is perhaps best illustrated by France's full endorsement of PNG's bid to host a future United Nations Ocean Conference. This support provides PNG with a major opportunity to lead on the world stage, while allowing France to demonstrate its credentials as a key partner to the Pacific Islands. This deepening PNG-France partnership does not exist in a vacuum. It is unfolding within a broader context of heightened geopolitical competition across the Pacific. The West's view of China's rapid emergence as a dominant economic and military force in the region has reshaped the strategic landscape, prompting traditional powers to re-engage with renewed urgency. The United States has responded by significantly increasing its diplomatic and security footprint, a move marked by Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Port Moresby to sign the Defence Cooperation Agreement. Similarly, Australia, PNG's traditional security partner, is working to reinforce its long-standing influence through initiatives like the multi-million-dollar deal to establish a PNG team in its National Rugby League (NRL), a soft-power exercise reportedly linked to security outcomes. This competitive environment has, in turn, created greater agency for Pacific nations, allowing them to diversify their partnerships beyond old allies and providing a fertile ground for European powers like France to assert their own strategic interests. A strong foundation for the relationship is a shared public stance on environmental stewardship. The agreement on the need for rigourous scientific studies before any deep-sea mining occurs aligns PNG's national policy with a position of environmental caution. This common ground extends to broader climate action, where France's commitment to conservation in the Pacific resonates with PNG's status as a frontline nation vulnerable to climate change. This alignment on values provides a durable and politically important basis for cooperation, allowing both nations to jointly advocate for climate justice and ocean protection. For the Papua New Guinea economy, this deepening partnership with France is critically important as it provides high-level stability for the multi-billion-dollar Papua LNG project and creates a direct pathway for new investment through a proposed SEZ for French businesses. Furthermore, by moving to finalise a Shiprider Agreement to combat illegal fishing, the government is actively protecting a vital economic resource. For Marape's credibility in local politics, these outcomes are tangible successes he can present to the nation as he battles a massive credibility dip in recent years. Securing a personal undertaking from the leader of a G7 nation, gaining support for PNG to host a future UN Ocean Conference, and enhancing national security demonstrates effective leadership on the world stage. This allows him to build a narrative of a competent statesman who, through "warm, personal relationships", can deliver on promises of economic opportunity and national security whilst strengthening his political standing at home.
Scoop
10 hours ago
- Scoop
No King's Protest In Guam Demands Protection Of Democracy And Equal Rights
, RNZ Pacific Guam Correspondent Chanting under the midday sun and holding signs that read 'No Kings in America' and 'In Solidarity with Los Angeles,' more than a dozen residents and visitors gathered in northern Guam on Saturday to join a national day of protest opposing what organisers describe as authoritarian overreach by President Donald Trump's administration. The rally is part of a broader grassroots mobilisation across the United States, marking the first 'No Kings' protest held in a US territory. "We've seen hundreds of new events on the No Kings Day map since the weekend," said Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, one of the groups behind the "day of defiance" to the Guardian. "We've seen hundreds of thousands of people register for those events." A website for the protest cites Trump's defying of the courts, mass deportations, attacks on civil rights, and slashing of services as reasons for protest. Demonstrators in Guam, where American citizens lack federal voting rights, used the opportunity to call attention to both local concerns and nationwide threats to democratic institutions. "We're on the front lines trying to save our democracy," said Diane Thurber, an assistant professor at University of Maryland Global Campus, Guam. "And everything that happens in America, happens to Guam first." "If we don't stand up and speak out, who's going to stand up for us?" said Guam Public Auditor, BJ Cruz, adding that Guam is still fighting for many rights that citizens in the continental U.S. already have. "I learned that the Big Beautiful Bill - a big ugly Bill - did not include our request for RECA compensation. And we were downwind. So, we've got to stand up and tell everybody we're here." The demonstration also drew teachers, visitors, and local union leaders who expressed alarm over Project 2025, a sweeping blueprint championed by Trump allies and supporters to consolidate executive power and dismantle federal agencies. It was published by The Heritage Foundation, an American conservative think tank, ahead of Trump's 2024 election victory. Critics say the project threatens fundamental civil liberties, including the right to protest, birthright citizenship, and public education. Sophia Underwood, a US history teacher on island, said it's become increasingly difficult to teach students about constitutional principles while witnessing what she described as the erosion of democratic norms. "He's probably the most, I would say, anti-constitutional president we've had," she said. Underwood said a lot of her students rely on TRIO programs and Pell grants to pursue a college education. "And seeing that [President Trump] is defunding higher education, those are the things that really bind all of us with the people that are in the continental US." Guam residents are US citizens who cannot vote for president and lack full voting representation in Congress, despite having one of the highest US military enlistment rates per capita and are federal taxpayers. Demonstrators highlighted this contradiction as a central point of frustration. "We couldn't even vote for this joker, but yet here he is," said Tim Fedenko, a longtime Guam resident and local teachers' union president. He pointed out Guam's straw poll results from the last election, which voted for Kamala Harris as president. "Give us a voice, right? But they don't want to give the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, American Samoa or Guam a vote. It's because they're scared of the brown vote." Others travelled from off-island to join the protest, including 74-year-old political activist Taynay Matsumoto, who is visiting Guam with family. A former delegate for District three in Georgia at the Democratic Convention, Matsumoto said her activism is motivated by concern for her grandchildren's future. "I'm worried that if my 16 [year-old] got pregnant, I don't want anybody to know, she should be able to have an abortion, that's her right," she said. "Use your power as a person. It's very powerful. And Trump wants you to think that you don't have it, that he as all of it. Those are lies." Despite Guam's geographic isolation, protesters emphasised the interconnectedness of national policy decisions and their local impacts like federal budget cuts to stalled compensation for Cold War-era nuclear fallout. "This administration is anti-everything that I'm for," Underwood said. "Even though we're far away, we still have the same fears. Being a teacher, I'm concerned about the Department of Education, right? And the arts being affected." Local grassroots group Prutehi Guåhan organised the demonstration, and said "Prutehi Guåhan joins the "No Kings" movement to resist fascism, ongoing war crimes in Palestine, and violence against immigrant communities and protesters in Los Angeles and elsewhere." "We're the first No Kings rally in the country," BJ Cruz said, adding, "And we're in solidarity with the rest of the country, and hopefully they'll stand up for us eventually."
