12 hours ago
Tehran Faces Evacuation Alarm Amid Deepening Iran–Israel Confrontation
President Donald Trump has called for the immediate evacuation of Tehran, warning that Iran 'cannot have a nuclear weapon' after a series of escalating military exchanges with Israel. He issued the statement via Truth Social while attending the G7 summit in Canada, then departed early to convene his national security team. The growing hostilities, now entering a fifth day, have provoked market turbulence, prompted military deployments, and triggered widespread concern among global leaders.
Israel has intensified airstrikes across Iran, targeting high-value military and nuclear facilities including Natanz, Fordow, state-run media headquarters, Revolutionary Guard command centres, missile launchers, gas infrastructure, and Tehran's television broadcaster. Strikes have killed dozens of senior IRGC commanders and scientists and reportedly neutralised F‑14 fighter jets at Tehran airport. Officials claim control of Tehran's airspace and assert the dismantling of over 120 missile launch systems. Iran has retaliated with waves of ballistic missiles and drones launched into Israeli territory, with sirens sounding in Tel Aviv; at least 24 civilians have died on the Israeli side so far.
Trump's evacuation message—urging 'everyone' to leave Tehran—coincided with Israel's own civilian warnings covering central parts of the capital, including state media and hospital zones, affecting roughly 330,000 residents. The social media alarm triggered mass movements out of Tehran and across highways to northern provinces, even as Iranian authorities called the strikes 'terrorist acts' and reinforced internet controls to manage civil unrest.
ADVERTISEMENT
The United States has responded by repositioning military assets: the Pentagon has dispatched tanker and transport aircraft to Europe, rerouted the USS Nimitz carrier group to the region, and activated missile defence systems such as Patriot and THAAD. Washington maintains these are defensive moves aimed at shielding American interests, with no current plans for offensive operations. President Trump, supportive of Israel yet reportedly opposing an assassination plot against Iran's Supreme Leader, continues to press for a renewed nuclear deal while condemning Tehran's enrichment programme.
Global economic markets quickly reacted: West Texas Intermediate crude surged almost 2.7%, while Brent crude climbed 2.2%, though both later tapered to modest gains amid fears of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. stock futures experienced a downward shift as geopolitical uncertainty escalated.
International diplomacy is now in overdrive. G7 leaders have reaffirmed Israel's right to self‑defence and emphasised the importance of preventing Iran from gaining nuclear capacity, though Trump declined to endorse a collective statement calling for restraint. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the U.S. has proposed a ceasefire and broader negotiations, conveying optimism that de‑escalation could be achieved. Meanwhile, Gulf states Oman and Qatar are acting as mediators, facilitating discussions. Tehran has indicated openness to dialogue—with Iran's foreign minister urging Israel to cease hostilities before any engagement.
In the U.S., congressional concern is mounting over unchecked executive military authority. Senators Tim Kaine and Representative Thomas Massie are advancing legislation to reinstate Congressional oversight over future conflict decisions.
Iran has threatened to exit the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty if attacks continue, though it maintains it does not seek nuclear weapons. On the Israeli side, Prime Minister Netanyahu has framed the operation—including 'Operation Rising Lion'—as essential to neutralising Tehran's nuclear and missile capability, citing biblical inspiration and the defence of global stability. He insists the aim is regime threat neutralisation rather than regime change, despite acknowledging Israel's strikes might eventually topple the Iranian government.
ADVERTISEMENT
Humanitarian concerns are mounting as Iran's health system struggles to cope. Over 224 fatalities—predominantly civilians—have been reported in Iran, along with hundreds of injuries. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with the Iranian Red Crescent deploying mobile medical units to crowded evacuation routes. UN officials caution that unless action is taken, the region risks descending into one of the most serious humanitarian crises in recent years.
Tehran's partial exodus, described as the '2025 Iranian exodus from Tehran,' has seen more than 100,000 residents relocate, exacerbating infrastructure pressure in adjoining provinces. Traffic congestion, fuel shortages, and internet blackouts have complicated evacuation efforts.
The Israel–Iran confrontation has now entered a critical phase, with no signs of immediate de-escalation. Trump's public alarm and prompt departure from the G7 summit underscore U.S. commitment to thwarting Iranian nuclear ambitions—but also fuel fears of further escalation. As military and diplomatic lines are drawn, global attention focuses on whether ceasefire overtures, mediated discussions, and Congressional checks on executive power can restore a fragile equilibrium in this volatile standoff.
