Israel, Iran trade missiles as Trump warns Tehran residents to evacuate

Israel and Iran attacked each other for a fifth straight day on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, as United States President Donald Trump warned Tehran residents to “immediately evacuate” the city.

Trumped cited what he said was the country’s rejection of a deal to curb nuclear weapons development.

World leaders meeting at the Group of Seven summit in Canada called for a de-escalation of the worst-ever conflict between the regional foes, saying Iran was a source of instability and must never have a nuclear weapon while affirming Israel’s right to defend itself.

Trump, who left the summit early due to the Middle East situation, said his departure had “nothing to do with” working on a deal between Israel and Iran, refuting comments made by French President Emmanuel Macron who said the U.S. had initiated a ceasefire proposal.

“Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire. Much bigger than that,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Monday night.

The president had earlier urged residents to flee the Iranian capital.

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“Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. 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!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social media platform on Monday.

Iranian media reported explosions and heavy air defence fire in Tehran early on Tuesday, with smoke rising in the city’s east after an explosion of suspected Israeli projectiles

Late on Monday, Israel said it hit Iran’s broadcasting authority, and footage showed a newsreader hurrying from her seat as a blast struck. Iranian state television said the strike killed three people.

Israel also said it carried out extensive strikes on Iranian military targets including weapons storage sites and missile launchers.

In Israel, air raid sirens wailed in Tel Aviv after midnight and again early in the morning, when several explosions were heard over the city.

Explosions were also heard in Jerusalem and the city of Herzliya, where there were reports of damage to a building.

Iranian officials have reported 224 deaths, mostly civilians, while Israel said 24 civilians had been killed.

Sources told Reuters that Tehran had asked Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to urge Trump to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to an immediate ceasefire.

The Star