In a dramatic escalation of rhetoric, U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the immediate evacuation of Iran’s capital city, Tehran, warning of a significant military strike in the coming days. This statement comes amid heightened hostilities between Israel and Iran, with both nations engaged in a series of retaliatory strikes.
Trump’s Warning
On June 17, 2025, Trump issued a stark message via social media, urging all residents of Tehran to evacuate immediately. He emphasized that the city was “about to be hit very hard” and that Iran would face “the official end” if it continued its aggressive actions.
Trump has issued a cryptic warning on Truth Social, urging “everyone” to leave Tehran as soon as possible, without confirming whether Washington will intervene in the ongoing tit-for-tat hostilities between Israel and Iran.
“Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. Such a shame and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CANNOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again!” Trump wrote on Monday evening, as the conflict entered its fifth day.
“Everyone needs to evacuate Tehran immediately!” the US leader added, without elaborating on where the city’s roughly 10 million residents should go.
This warning follows a series of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which have significantly intensified the conflict. Reports indicate that Tehran is experiencing widespread panic, with residents fleeing the city and long lines at gas stations. Despite the turmoil, Iranian authorities have not issued any public guidance or confirmed the evacuation orders.
U.S. Military Response
Trump earlier insisted that the US “had nothing to do with the attack on Iran” but warned Tehran of retaliation “at levels never seen before” if it targets American assets in the region. He declined to clarify what might trigger US military involvement, telling reporters on Monday: “I don’t want to talk about that.”
In response to the escalating situation, the Pentagon has confirmed the deployment of additional “defensive capabilities” to the Middle East. This includes the repositioning of the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier to the region and the deployment of over 31 refueling aircraft to Europe, positioning them closer to the Middle East to support sustained operations if necessary. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that these measures are defensive and aimed at protecting U.S. interests.
Israel has also reportedly asked the US to participate directly in strikes on Iran. The IDF lacks the bunker-buster bombs required to destroy the Islamic Republic’s heavily fortified underground nuclear sites, but Washington could supply them, Axios reported Saturday, citing West Jerusalem officials.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions. G7 leaders, meeting in Canada, released a joint statement calling for de-escalation in the conflict and reaffirming their stance that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons. They supported Israel’s right to self-defense and stressed the importance of protecting civilians. Despite rumors, Trump denied returning to Washington to arrange a ceasefire, indicating a preference for a more aggressive stance.