Amid intensifying hostilities between Israel and Iran, former U.S. President Donald Trump cut short his visit to the G7 summit in Canada, returning early to Washington to address the growing crisis. The White House confirmed that Trump would convene a meeting of his National Security Council shortly after his return.The decision follows five consecutive days of reciprocal attacks between Israel and Iran. Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to urge civilians in Tehran to evacuate immediately, citing Iran’s refusal to agree to U.S.-backed nuclear terms. “Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CANNOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” Trump posted.Shortly after, Iranian media reported large explosions and the activation of air defense systems in Tehran. Similar defensive responses were seen in Natanz, home to a major nuclear facility approximately 320 kilometers from the capital.In Israel, air raid sirens blared across Tel Aviv around midnight, with Iranian missiles reportedly targeting the city. Iranian authorities reported 224 deaths—mostly civilians—over the last five days. Israel, meanwhile, confirmed 24 civilian casualties and said nearly 3,000 people had been evacuated due to the damage caused by Iranian strikes.Calls for CeasefireAccording to sources familiar with the matter, Iran has sought mediation through Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to pressure Israel into agreeing to a ceasefire. In exchange, Tehran has signaled readiness to show flexibility in ongoing nuclear negotiations. “If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Israel must halt its aggression. Without a complete cessation, our responses will continue.”Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s commitment to neutralizing threats from Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. Speaking to reporters Monday, he said: “If this can be achieved through other means—fine. But we gave it a 60-day chance.”Trump also referenced the 60-day deadline, which he said was given to Iran to cease uranium enrichment. That period has now expired without a deal, he noted.Nuclear Sites Hit, Global ImpactIsrael escalated its offensive by targeting Iran’s state broadcaster and uranium enrichment facilities on Monday. Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told the BBC that the Natanz nuclear site suffered massive damage, potentially destroying up to 15,000 centrifuges. The Fordow site, however, remains largely unaffected.Planned talks between the U.S. and Iran, previously scheduled for June 15 in Oman, were cancelled after Iran declared it could not negotiate under active bombardment.Meanwhile, oil prices surged over 2% in Asian markets on Tuesday, reversing earlier losses following Trump’s evacuation warning and reports of Iranian interest in halting hostilities.China Advises Evacuation from IsraelWith Israel closing its airspace and the conflict intensifying, the Chinese embassy in Tel Aviv urged its citizens to leave the country via land borders immediately.The scale of the current conflict marks the most significant direct military exchange between Israel and Iran to date. Israeli airstrikes have reportedly decimated much of Iran’s senior military leadership and targeted nuclear scientists. Israel claims to now control Iranian airspace and plans to intensify operations in the coming days.Trump insisted again that a deal with Iran remains possible but warned that continued resistance is unwise. “As I’ve been saying, I think a deal will be signed, or something will happen—but a deal will be signed. Iran is foolish not to sign,” he told reporters in Canada before leaving.A senior U.S. official confirmed that Trump would not endorse a draft G7 communiqué that calls for de-escalation. The document emphasized that Iran must never possess nuclear weapons and reiterated Israel’s right to defend itself.
