Written by Okafor Joseph, Editor | June 17, 2025 | SpringnewsNG Media Limited

Global Affairs | Middle East Crisis | U.S. Politics

Amid rapidly escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, former U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the immediate evacuation of Tehran, a city of nearly 10 million residents, citing Iran’s refusal to halt its nuclear weapons ambitions.

In a statement posted Monday on his Truth Social platform, Trump issued a dire warning, urging civilians to flee the Iranian capital immediately.

“What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CANNOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” he declared.

This dramatic appeal comes as Israeli airstrikes continue to pound Iranian military installations, raising fears of a full-scale war in the Middle East. Tehran, now on high alert, faces mounting concerns over civilian safety amid potential retaliatory strikes.

Logistical Nightmare for Mass Evacuation

While Trump’s warning underscores the severity of the situation, evacuating a city as massive as Tehran presents a logistical nightmare.

Air travel has been severely curtailed across the region, with major airports in Iran and its neighbours either shut down or operating under strict security protocols. Key roads leading into and out of the city have also been blocked or placed under military surveillance, making mass movement nearly impossible.

Air travel has been severely curtailed across the region, with major airports in Iran and its neighbours either shut down or operating under strict security protocols. Key roads leading into and out of the city have also been blocked or placed under military surveillance, making mass movement nearly impossible.

White House Position Unclear

Although Trump has recently voiced support for Israel’s military posture, the White House on Monday declined to endorse any proposed G7 communiqué urging de-escalation, signalling a complicated stance on the conflict.

Despite his previous reservations about direct confrontation, Trump’s latest statement reflects increased alignment with Israel, especially after the U.S. dispatched a second aircraft carrier and ballistic missile defence systems to the region in a show of military strength.

Diplomatic Talks Falter

Last month, U.S. and Iranian officials met in Rome to discuss Iran’s controversial uranium enrichment program, which has remained a major sticking point in nuclear negotiations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed cautious optimism at the time, but little progress has been made since.

Continued disputes over enrichment levels, international inspections, and compliance have deepened mistrust on both sides, with recent events pushing diplomacy further into the background.

War Clouds Gather Over Middle East

As the conflict intensifies, Trump’s warning is being seen as both a humanitarian alarm and a political maneuver, aimed at increasing pressure on the Iranian regime while justifying potential military escalation.

With millions of lives hanging in the balance, global leaders now face a critical test: Can diplomacy prevail, or will the world witness a catastrophic regional war?

Stay with SpringnewsNG Media for real-time updates on the Israel-Iran conflict, U.S. foreign policy, and Middle East developments.