This article was originally published by The Epoch Times: Trump Urges Immediate Evacuation of Tehran
In an unexpected call to action, former President Donald Trump has urged the populace of Tehran to evacuate immediately. This statement reiterates his long-held position that Iran must not attain nuclear capabilities, suggesting that a dire situation looms if negotiations on nuclear disarmament fail.
“Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I urged them to agree upon. It’s a tragedy—a loss of human life. IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I’ve said it time and again! Everyone should evacuate Tehran immediately!” Trump proclaimed in a June 16 post on social media, demonstrating his characteristic fervor for the issue.
Shortly after Trump’s alarming announcement, Iranian state media reported sounds of explosions and heavy air defense activity over Tehran, indicating a potential escalation of conflict.
Concurrently, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued their own evacuation notice for parts of Tehran, signaling imminent airstrikes aimed at military targets in the region. “Dear citizens, for your safety, please leave the specified area in the 3rd district of Tehran immediately,” warned the message from IDF spokesperson Col. Avichay Adraee on X.
“In the coming hours, the Israeli army will strike military infrastructure linked to the Iranian regime in this area, much like recent operations in Tehran,” Adraee added. “Remaining in this area could jeopardize your safety.”
Social media platforms have been flooded with videos of residents departing from Tehran, a bustling metropolis of around 9 million inhabitants.
This latest wave of warnings from Trump and the IDF is part of a broader context of escalating hostilities. Recently, Israeli forces initiated an extensive air campaign—dubbed “Operation Rising Lion”—targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructures and military assets. In retaliation, Iran launched a series of missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities, triggering widespread alerts and the activation of Israel’s air defense systems.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has articulated that the military operation aims to neutralize the existential threats posed by Iran’s nuclear and missile ambitions. “We are prepared to do whatever is necessary to eliminate the dual threats of nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities,” Netanyahu stated in an interview with Fox News. He emphasized Israel’s mission to “protect the world from this incendiary regime.”
Trump has consistently pressed Iran to abandon its nuclear aspirations and return to the negotiating table, cautioning that any further delays may lead to the regime’s downfall. “Iran must strike a deal before it’s too late and salvage what remains of the Iranian Empire,” he advised in a previous post on Truth Social. “No more death, no more destruction, JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. God Bless You All!”
As tensions rise, planned nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States in Oman have been scrapped. Iranian officials have declared that dialogue has lost all meaning following Israel’s military actions.
In a response from Washington, the Trump administration is reinforcing U.S. military capabilities in the region. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced additional troop deployments to the U.S. Central Command area, which encompasses the Middle East. “Protecting U.S. forces is our top priority, and these deployments aim to bolster our defensive stance in the region,” Hegseth remarked in a statement on social media.
On Friday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized Israel’s strikes as unilateral and cautioned Iran against targeting American interests or personnel.
As the conflict escalates, the Iranian Ministry of Health reports that at least 224 individuals have died since Friday, including prominent military figures. In contrast, Israel has reported 24 of its own citizens killed as a result of the ongoing hostilities.
