President Donald Trump abruptly cut short his G7 visit and urged residents of Tehran to evacuate immediately, escalating rhetoric amid surging tensions and U.S. military planning as the Israel–Iran conflict intensifies.
At a Glance
- Trump left the G7 summit early on June 17 to convene the National Security Council after Israeli strikes on Iran.
- He publicly told Tehran residents to “immediately evacuate,” warning Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons.
- Israel claims to have damaged Iran’s Natanz facility; Iran has enriched uranium to 60%.
- Severe traffic congestion reported in Tehran suggests civilian panic.
- G7 leaders affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself while continuing to urge regional de-escalation.
Trump’s Abrupt G7 Exit
President Trump cut his participation in the G7 summit short, warning that the nuclear threat posed by Iran could no longer be managed with diplomacy alone. As reported by Investor’s Business Daily, Trump declared, “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran,” and added, “IRAN CANNOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON.”
The president then returned to Washington, where he immediately convened the National Security Council in the White House Situation Room. According to Reuters, the urgency reflects U.S. concern that Israel’s campaign against Iranian nuclear sites could trigger regional escalation.
Tehran Evacuates Amid Panic
Following Trump’s statement, videos from Tehran posted on social media showed mass traffic congestion and civilians attempting to flee the city. These images, verified by The Guardian, support reports of widespread fear that further Israeli strikes—or even American involvement—could follow.
Meanwhile, Iran’s uranium enrichment has reached 60%, dangerously close to weapons-grade. While not yet sufficient for weaponization, the threshold puts pressure on diplomatic efforts and raises fears of an accelerated timeline for potential nuclear capability.
Watch a report: Trump Urges Evacuation of Tehran.
Military and Nuclear Red Lines
The Israeli government claims that its recent operations have damaged Iran’s Natanz facility, a key node in Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure. The United States has reportedly repositioned air and naval assets in the region, though no direct strike authorization has been confirmed.
While Trump’s rhetoric suggests a readiness for confrontation, military analysts remain cautious. The current posture could signal deterrence, a preparation for retaliation, or an imminent second-phase strike on hardened Iranian targets.
Diplomatic Overtures Shrinking
G7 leaders issued a joint statement affirming Israel’s right to self-defense while reiterating their position that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons. However, Trump’s statement diverged sharply from European leaders by rejecting the prospect of negotiation outright.
According to Reuters, the president is not pursuing a ceasefire but instead seeking what he called “a real end” to Iran’s nuclear ambitions—language some interpret as signaling support for regime change or long-term military pressure.
The coming days will test the durability of diplomacy and the limits of deterrence. As Tehran braces and Washington mobilizes, the risk of a broader regional war has not been higher in years.
