DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Israel’s military offensive against Iran deepened Tuesday, as targeted airstrikes rocked Tehran for a fifth consecutive day and U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning urging civilians to evacuate the Iranian capital.
“IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,” Trump posted Monday night on social media. “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” The message was released just before the president abruptly departed from the G7 summit in Canada to return to Washington.
Trump denied reports he left to pursue a ceasefire. “I’m not looking at a ceasefire,” he said aboard Air Force One. “We’re looking at better than a ceasefire.” When pressed on his evacuation message, he added, “I just want people to be safe.”
The situation in Tehran has grown increasingly dire. More than 330,000 residents in downtown districts were urged to leave by the Israeli military. By Tuesday, the city’s streets were emptying, shops shuttered, the Grand Bazaar was closed, and highways were jammed with families fleeing north to the Caspian Sea. Long queues formed at gas stations as panic mounted.
Israel Claims Major Blow to Iran’s Military Leadership
Israel says its campaign is aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and eliminating its senior military leadership. Since the strikes began Friday, 224 people have been killed in Iran and more than 1,200 injured.
In a major development, Israeli forces claimed responsibility for the killing of Gen. Ali Shadmani, recently appointed head of Iran’s powerful Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, part of the Revolutionary Guard. Iran has not confirmed his death but has already announced leadership changes across the Guard and regular armed forces following earlier high-profile casualties.
Iran has retaliated fiercely, launching more than 370 missiles and hundreds of drones toward Israeli cities. As of Tuesday, at least 24 Israelis were killed and over 500 wounded. Explosions were heard again in northern Israel as Iran launched a fresh barrage of missiles.
Trump and Allies Split on De-Escalation Strategy
While Trump joined G7 leaders in a joint statement asserting Iran “can never have a nuclear weapon,” his own remarks cast doubt on de-escalation efforts. French President Emmanuel Macron said discussions for a ceasefire were underway — a claim Trump swiftly dismissed online as “wrong.”
“Macron mistakenly said that I left… to work on a ‘cease fire.’ Wrong! He has no idea why I’m on my way to Washington,” Trump wrote, adding cryptically, “It’s much bigger than that.”
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth headed to the White House Situation Room for urgent consultations. Trump hinted he may dispatch Vice-President JD Vance or special envoy Steve Witkoff for diplomatic talks, depending on “what happens when I get back.”
Israel Declares Air Superiority Over Tehran
Israeli military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said Israel now has “full aerial superiority over Tehran’s skies.” The IDF claimed destruction of over 120 missile launchers, two Iranian F-14 jets, and 10 Quds Force command centers in Tehran.
Strikes also hit Iran’s state television headquarters, forcing a news anchor to flee during a live broadcast. The IDF said the facility was a propaganda hub.
Evacuation warnings were issued for central Tehran neighborhoods housing police headquarters, state TV, and multiple hospitals, including one affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard.
Iran’s Nuclear Program Under Fire
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Israel’s air campaign has set back Iran’s nuclear program “a very, very long time.” Israel has struck several key nuclear sites, though the deeply buried Fordo facility remains intact.
Destroying Fordo would require a GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator — a 30,000-pound U.S. “bunker-buster” bomb — and the B-2 stealth bomber capable of delivering it. Israel possesses neither.
Iran continues to assert that its nuclear program is peaceful. However, the IAEA has warned Tehran now holds enough enriched uranium to build multiple nuclear weapons if it chooses to.
Calls for U.S. Mediation Grow
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi issued a veiled appeal to Washington. “If Trump is genuine about diplomacy… one phone call from Washington can muzzle Netanyahu,” he posted on X, adding that such a move “may pave the way for a return to diplomacy.”
Iran said it was willing to halt its strikes if Israel stops. So far, neither side appears ready to back down.