As the Iran-Israel conflict entered its fifth day on June 17, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump called for the immediate evacuation of Tehran, citing Iran’s rejection of a proposed nuclear agreement. Trump’s statement, made via Truth Social, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. What a shame, and a waste of human life. Simply stated, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”.
The conflict, which began on June 13, 2025, escalated rapidly. Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, targeting over 100 sites across Iran, including nuclear facilities and military installations. The strikes resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian officials and scientists. In retaliation, Iran launched more than 150 ballistic missiles and over 100 drones at various locations in Israel, causing significant damage and casualties.
The humanitarian impact has been severe. Iran reported over 220 deaths, with 1,277 individuals injured. In Israel, 24 civilians were killed, and nearly 3,000 citizens were evacuated due to damage from Iranian strikes. The conflict has also led to a significant exodus from Tehran, with over 100,000 residents fleeing the city, primarily toward northern provinces. This mass displacement has resulted in infrastructure disruptions, fuel shortages, and increased stress-related health issues.
International reactions have been varied. The Group of Seven (G7) leaders, meeting in Canada, called for de-escalation and affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense while insisting that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons. French President Emmanuel Macron reported that Trump had proposed a ceasefire to initiate broader discussions. However, Iran has denied intentions to develop nuclear weapons and has called for a ceasefire, signaling potential flexibility in nuclear negotiations if such an agreement is reached.
The conflict has had significant global repercussions. Oil prices surged by more than 2% following Trump’s evacuation message, and global stock markets experienced volatility. The Chinese embassy advised its citizens to leave Israel due to the intensifying violence and closed airspace.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains on high alert, with diplomatic efforts intensifying to prevent further escalation and address the underlying issues fueling the conflict.
