Tehran: As the Israel-Iran conflict entered its fifth day on June 16, 2025, US President Donald Trump issued an urgent call for all residents of Tehran to evacuate the city immediately. The warning came hours after Israel launched a new wave of airstrikes on Iran’s capital, targeting multiple high-profile locations, including the Iranian state media headquarters, which was hit during a live broadcast. The attacks caused widespread panic across the capital and intensified concerns of a broader regional escalation.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social account, Trump wrote: “Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” The post followed Israeli strikes that hit several military and government-affiliated sites across the city. Tehran, home to nearly 10 million residents, has experienced repeated bombardments since the initial Israeli offensive began late last week.
The United States has confirmed additional military movements in response to the ongoing conflict. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the deployment of further defensive assets to the Middle East to reinforce American presence in the region. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, already stationed in the area, is being joined by a second carrier group. The Pentagon has not released the specific details of the new deployments but stated they are intended to strengthen defensive posture.
Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy in Israel has urged its citizens to leave the country immediately due to the deteriorating security situation. In a public notice, the embassy warned of civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure amid escalating hostilities. With Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel closed “until further notice,” Chinese nationals were advised to exit via land crossings into Jordan. According to Al Jazeera, three such crossings remain open.
Talks between the United States and Iran regarding Tehran’s nuclear program have stalled since the outbreak of violence. Iranian officials said a scheduled meeting could not proceed while the country was under attack. President Trump has since left the G7 summit in Canada ahead of schedule, citing developments in the Middle East as the reason for his early departure. The situation in Tehran continues to evolve, with air raid sirens and emergency alerts active across the capital.
