As the conflict between Israel and Iran entered its fifth day with no signs of easing, tensions surged on Tuesday following urgent evacuation warnings from both Israeli and U.S. leaders. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz and U.S. President Donald Trump issued separate calls for residents of Tehran to evacuate immediately, raising fears of a broader and more destructive military escalation.
“Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran,” President Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social late Monday, echoing warnings issued by the Israeli military. Trump reiterated on Tuesday that “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon” and dismissed claims that the U.S. was seeking a ceasefire. “If they want to talk, they know how to reach me,” he added.
The Israeli military has continued its strikes on Iranian territory, targeting what it describes as key military infrastructure in northeast Tehran. Defence Minister Katz warned that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could “meet the same fate as Saddam Hussein” if the missile attacks on Israel continue. He added that Israel had already struck “the propaganda and incitement broadcasting authority” and that more strikes on regime targets in Tehran were imminent.
In a televised interview, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to rule out the assassination of Khamenei. “It’s not going to escalate the conflict, it’s going to end the conflict,” Netanyahu told ABC News. He further stated that Israel is “doing what we need to do.”
Meanwhile, the European Union has activated its civil protection mechanism to help evacuate its citizens from Iran. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed the move on Tuesday, noting that some member states had already deployed planes for evacuation while others were coordinating through joint efforts. “We’re assisting member states to evacuate their citizens that wish to leave,” she said.
The dramatic turn comes just after President Trump left the G7 summit in Canada a day early, denying speculation that his departure was linked to mediation efforts between Israel and Iran. “The reason I left is much bigger than a ceasefire,” Trump insisted.
While Israel claims it has gained air dominance over Tehran and warned that “Tehran will burn” if more missiles are launched at Israeli territory, Iran remains defiant. Tehran has pledged a “more severe and powerful response,” threatening to strike not only Israeli targets but also assets belonging to its allies.
As fears of a wider regional war mount, global powers are calling for restraint, but the escalating rhetoric and military activity suggest that the road to de-escalation remains uncertain.
