Tensions Rise as Trump Calls for Evacuation of Tehran Amid Mid-East Conflict

On June 16, 2025, smoke was seen rising near Tehran's Azadi Tower as fighting between Israel and Iran intensified. Reacting to the situation, US President Donald Trump posted a message on Truth Social urging citizens to evacuate Tehran, although he did not specify the reasons behind his warning. His early departure from a G7 summit in Canada to return to Washington was reportedly influenced by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

In his social media update, Trump emphasized his long-standing position that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons, urging the country to accept the agreements he previously proposed. Concurrently, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is on his way to meet with Trump's national security advisors as the US maneuvers military resources in response to the situation. A White House official noted the urgency of Trump's call reflects the critical need for Iran to engage in negotiations amidst ongoing tit-for-tat actions with Israel.

Reports from Israeli media indicated that explosions were heard above Tehran, with Iranian defense systems activated around sensitive sites like the Natanz nuclear facility. Additionally, there were claims of US military refueling aircraft being deployed, marking an unprecedented movement of American forces toward the region. However, Pentagon representatives denied allegations that the US had participated in attacks on Iran, clarifying that American military forces maintain a defensive posture.

As the Pentagon prepares to bolster its military presence with additional resources, including aircraft carriers and refueling planes, Trump has remained ambiguous regarding the circumstances that might lead to direct US military involvement in the conflict. While he affirmed the US's commitment to protect its interests, the specifics of the intelligence shared with Israel remain undisclosed.