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President Donald Trump on Monday urged civilians in Tehran to evacuate “immediately,” issuing the warning in a Truth Social post as conflict between Iran and Israel entered a dangerous new phase.
While attending the G7 summit in Canada, Trump reiterated that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, calling the ongoing violence a tragic result of Tehran’s refusal to negotiate a new nuclear deal.
“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!” Trump wrote.
The situation in the Middle East has become a central topic at the G7 summit, with world leaders closely monitoring the deepening hostilities between Iran and Israel. U.S. military preparations are underway, raising speculation about possible American involvement in the conflict.
Two U.S. officials told Reuters that the Pentagon has deployed a significant number of aerial refueling aircraft to Europe to expand military options. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also said the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier was headed to the Middle East as part of a previously scheduled deployment. The carrier houses around 5,000 personnel and more than 60 aircraft, including fighter jets.
Together, the deployments appear to signal a rapid build-up of U.S. air power in the region, positioning American forces for sustained operations if necessary.
“President Trump had a great day at the G7, even signing a major trade deal with the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Keir Starmer,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
“Much was accomplished, but because of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with heads of state,” she added.
On Monday, the conflict intensified as Israel targeted Iran’s state-run television station during a live broadcast. An explosion disrupted coverage, sending a reporter running off camera. The strike followed a barrage of Iranian missile attacks on Israel, which reportedly killed at least eight people.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes had significantly damaged Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. He added that the Iranian government is “very weak” and said he remains in daily contact with Trump.