Israel Orders Evacuation in Tehran as Strikes Escalate, Trump and Netanyahu Issue Stern Warnings

 June 17 – Tel Aviv / Tehran / Washington D.C. — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have issued a rare and striking evacuation warning to residents of northern Tehran, signaling a new and intensified phase in Israel’s military campaign against Iran. The public alert, delivered via X (formerly Twitter) by IDF Arabic spokesperson Col. Avichay Adraee, mirrored evacuation notices previously directed at Gaza civilians and marked a dramatic shift in Israel’s posture.

“For your safety, please evacuate the designated area in Tehran’s 3rd district immediately,” read the post in Farsi. “In the coming hours, the Israeli military will target regime military infrastructure in this zone. Remaining in the area endangers your life.”

This stark announcement came as live Iranian state television was disrupted during a broadcast on Monday, reportedly by an Israeli airstrike. The presenter fled the studio mid-air, with explosions audible and dust filling the set. Moments later, the channel cut to pre-recorded programming.

Netanyahu: “We Control the Skies Over Tehran”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the air campaign and evacuation alerts during a speech at Tel Nof air force base. “The Israeli Air Force controls the skies over Tehran,” he declared. “This changes the entire campaign. While Iran targets our civilians, we target regime infrastructure. We warn before we act.”

Netanyahu further escalated rhetoric by suggesting that the elimination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, would “end the conflict,” hinting at a potentially unprecedented Israeli objective.

Trump Urges Evacuation, Reiterates Nuclear Warning

In Washington, President Donald Trump reiterated his longstanding position that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons. Posting on Truth Social, he stated: “IRAN CANNOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”

Trump dismissed French President Emmanuel Macron’s claims that his early departure from the G7 Summit was to support ceasefire talks. “Wrong! Much bigger than that. Emmanuel always gets it wrong,” Trump wrote, suggesting a broader U.S. strategy is in motion.

Civilian Toll Mounts as Oil Facilities Targeted

The human cost of the conflict is rising rapidly. Iran’s Health Ministry reported 224 fatalities and over 1,400 injuries from Israeli strikes, with 90% of the victims identified as civilians. Israel reported 23 civilian deaths and nearly 600 injuries from retaliatory Iranian missile attacks. Explosions near Tehran’s oil refineries have sparked environmental fears, while both nations continue targeting each other’s energy infrastructure.

The Iranian Red Crescent reported the deaths of three rescue workers in northwest Tehran from an Israeli airstrike, condemning the incident as “a blatant attack on humanity and international law.”

Nuclear Tensions Deepen as Iran Threatens NPT Withdrawal

As Israeli strikes entered their fourth consecutive day, Iran signaled a potential withdrawal from the 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that a draft bill is under review in the Majlis (parliament). Though Iranian leaders, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, insist they oppose nuclear weapons on religious grounds, officials reaffirmed Iran's right to nuclear energy and scientific research.

Meanwhile, Israel continues targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that nearly all of the 15,000 centrifuges at Iran’s Natanz enrichment facility were likely disabled following Israeli strikes. However, the Fordow facility appeared to sustain minimal damage.

Regional Escalation and Strategic Maneuvering

While Iranian Revolutionary Guards continue launching missiles from within Iranian territory, Israel’s multi-layered air defenses have intercepted an estimated 80–90% of incoming projectiles. Still, strikes have caused casualties in cities including Petah Tikva, Haifa, and Bnei Brak.

Iran’s military claimed to have discovered a method to confuse Israel’s defense systems, vowing “more powerful and deadly” attacks—though independent verification remains unavailable.

In a further sign of deepening U.S. involvement, Reuters reported that over 30 U.S. aerial refueling tankers have been repositioned to Europe, offering expanded operational reach for potential air missions. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that additional defensive assets were being deployed to the Middle East, though details remain classified.

Diplomatic Channels Open, but No Ceasefire in Sight

Despite ongoing hostilities, The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran is using Arab intermediaries to signal a willingness to resume nuclear talks—provided Israel halts its offensive. However, there has been no indication from Jerusalem that such a pause is under consideration.

During the G7 Summit in Canada, President Trump told reporters, “They should talk, and they should talk immediately,” adding pointedly, “I’d say Iran is not winning this war.”

Meanwhile, internal Iranian tensions have intensified. State media reported the execution of a man accused of spying for Israel’s Mossad—the third such execution in recent weeks—underlining fears of domestic crackdowns amid the international crisis.