President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to residents of Tehran, urging immediate evacuation as the Israel-Iran conflict enters its sixth day. The president’s remarks came during his early departure from the G7 summit in Canada, where he and other world leaders had been discussing the intensifying military confrontation in the Middle East.
“Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran before there is nothing left,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Iran should have made a deal when it had the chance. I’ve said it again and again: IRAN CANNOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON.”
G7 Summit Cut Short for Ceasefire Push
Trump left the G7 summit in Alberta, Canada, ahead of schedule to return to Washington in a bid to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that the U.S. had offered a proposal aimed at halting hostilities and initiating broader diplomatic talks.
“There is an offer on the table,” Macron said. “Trump is returning to Washington to help push for a ceasefire. This is a good development, but the next steps are crucial.”
At the summit, Trump told reporters:
“They [Iran] have to make a deal. It’s painful for both sides, but Iran is not winning this war. They should talk — and talk immediately — before it’s too late.”
U.S. Military Posture and Evacuation Efforts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the increased U.S. military presence in the region remains “defensive,” and reiterated that the Trump administration continues to seek a diplomatic resolution to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“We’re strong in the region to support a peace deal,” Hegseth told Fox News. “That’s our hope.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem reported it was unable to evacuate Americans in Israel due to closed air and seaports. Embassy staff and families were sheltering in place as the situation worsened. In contrast, China advised its citizens to exit Israel via land crossings immediately.
Lawmakers Push to Limit Trump’s War Powers
The potential for direct U.S. involvement in the conflict has drawn bipartisan opposition in Congress. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie introduced a measure to bar unauthorized military action, asserting that Congress must authorize any war.
Progressive Democrats, including Reps. Ro Khanna, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Sen. Bernie Sanders, quickly supported the initiative. Sanders introduced legislation aimed at preventing what he called “an illegal war with Iran.” Senator Tim Kaine also announced plans to file a war powers resolution.
“It is not in our national interest to enter a war with Iran unless absolutely necessary,” Kaine said.
Iran Signals Openness to Diplomacy via Gulf States
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi responded to Trump’s warnings by calling for genuine diplomacy, urging the U.S. president to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu toward a ceasefire. Sources told Reuters that Iran had reached out to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman to mediate with the United States. In exchange for a ceasefire, Iran signaled it may show flexibility in nuclear negotiations.
Military Escalation: Heavy Casualties Reported
The current round of conflict began on June 13, when Israel launched a surprise airstrike killing top Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists. The strikes also damaged at least two uranium enrichment facilities in Iran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles at Israeli cities, some of which breached Israeli air defenses.
According to both Israeli and Iranian sources, over 224 Iranians and 24 Israelis have been killed since the conflict began. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated the dual objectives were to eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities and dismantle its missile infrastructure.
G7 Statement, Missed Bilaterals
The G7 released a statement late on June 16 expressing support for Israel and labeling Iran as a destabilizing actor. The group reaffirmed its opposition to a nuclear-armed Iran and called for immediate peace and regional stability.
Trump’s early return meant that scheduled bilateral meetings with leaders of Mexico and Ukraine were canceled. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also returned to Washington to assist with ongoing diplomatic efforts.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump’s early departure on social media, stating:
“Much was accomplished at the G7, but due to the urgent developments in the Middle East, President Trump will return to Washington tonight.”
Summary:
As the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates, President Trump is urgently pushing for a ceasefire while warning Tehran’s civilians to flee. With U.S. lawmakers seeking to limit presidential war powers, and Iran hinting at diplomatic concessions, all eyes are now on Washington’s next move in this rapidly evolving crisis.
