Hostilities between Israel and Iran continued into a fifth straight day on Tuesday, with both nations exchanging airstrikes amid mounting international concern. The escalating conflict has prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to call on Iranian civilians to evacuate Tehran, citing Iran’s refusal to accept a deal aimed at curbing its nuclear weapons program.
“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,” President Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The White House confirmed that President Trump would depart the G7 summit in Canada a day early due to the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Middle East. Fox News reported that Trump is expected to convene a meeting of the National Security Council upon his return. French President Emmanuel Macron described Trump’s early exit from the summit as a positive development, stressing the urgent need to broker a ceasefire between the two regional powers.
In the early hours of Tuesday, June 17, Iranian media reported multiple explosions and intense anti-aircraft fire over Tehran, suggesting another wave of Israeli airstrikes. Air defense systems were also activated in the city of Natanz- a major nuclear facility approximately 320 kilometers (200 miles) from the capital – according to the Asriran news outlet.
Meanwhile, in Israel, air raid sirens were triggered in Tel Aviv just after midnight. An explosion was reported shortly after, believed to be the result of an Iranian missile targeting the city.
Iranian officials reported a death toll of 224 over the past five days, with the majority being civilians. Israel, in turn, confirmed the deaths of 24 civilians from Iranian strikes. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said nearly 3,000 residents had been evacuated due to structural damage caused by ongoing missile attacks.
International calls for de-escalation have intensified, but both sides show few signs of backing down as the conflict pushes the region closer to a broader confrontation.
