The conflict between Israel and Iran entered its fifth consecutive day on Tuesday, with airstrikes exchanged and civilian casualties mounting. U.S. President Donald Trump escalated tensions further, urging civilians in Tehran to evacuate immediately, citing Iran’s rejection of a proposed nuclear deal.
In a strongly worded post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “Iran should have signed the deal. What a shame, and a waste of human life. Simply put, IRAN CANNOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON.” His message came as he prepared to leave the G7 summit in Canada a day early to convene an emergency National Security Council meeting on the escalating Middle East crisis.
Tehran and Natanz were both hit by explosions and heavy air defense activity early Tuesday, according to Iranian media. While Iran has blamed Israel for the attacks, the White House denied U.S. military involvement. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed that while the U.S. supports Israel’s right to defend itself, Washington is still open to reaching a nuclear agreement with Tehran.
The death toll continues to rise—Iran reporting 224 mostly civilian casualties, and Israel citing 24 civilian deaths. Nearly 3,000 Israelis have been evacuated following missile strikes from Iran.
Meanwhile, Iran has approached regional powers Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to mediate a ceasefire, suggesting it is open to flexibility in nuclear talks if Israel halts its aggression. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains adamant: “We gave it 60 days. If there’s another way to eliminate the nuclear threat, fine. But we’re acting now.”
Oil prices surged over 2% in early Asian markets following Trump’s evacuation warning. China also issued an advisory, asking its citizens in Israel to exit via land routes due to the growing conflict and closure of Israeli airspace.
The war has reached unprecedented intensity, with Israel targeting Iran’s state broadcaster and uranium enrichment sites. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed significant damage to Natanz, with up to 15,000 centrifuges destroyed, though Fordow remains operational.
Negotiations scheduled for June 15 in Oman have been called off. Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful, but Israel’s initial assault—reportedly killing several top military and nuclear officials—has shifted the stakes dramatically.
Trump remains confident a deal will eventually be signed but continues to pressure Iran publicly. “I think Iran is foolish not to sign,” he told reporters. However, he declined to endorse the G7’s draft resolution calling for de-escalation, further signaling that Washington is aligning closely with Tel Aviv’s aggressive posture.
As the air war intensifies, global powers are watching anxiously—hoping diplomacy can catch up with the pace of missiles.
