Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

Trump In Panic Mode, Cuts G7 Trip Short, Calls For Tehran Evacuation


(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar : U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning for Iranian civilians to“immediately evacuate Tehran,” as Israeli strikes continue to pound the Iranian capital, including a brazen attack on Iran's state broadcaster. His comments came shortly before he abruptly departed the G7 summit in Canada, citing urgent matters related to the Middle East crisis.

“Iran should have signed the 'deal' I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, Iran can not have a nuclear weapon. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” Trump posted on Truth Social on Monday evening.

His post came amid growing international concern over the humanitarian situation in Tehran-a city of over 10 million people, with nearly 17 million in the greater metropolitan area-which is now facing both airstrikes and Israeli evacuation warnings, particularly in high-density districts, including the area surrounding Iran's state broadcaster.

Mass Evacuation Orders Amid Ongoing Strikes

It remains unclear how many Iranian civilians have managed to evacuate the capital under such short notice. Analysts suggest that a mass civilian exodus is logistically implausible, and there are fears of further civilian casualties if strikes intensify.

Read Also Israel Strikes Iran's State TV During Live Broadcast Kashmir Students Trapped In Iran Appeal For Evacuation

According to Iranian authorities, 224 Iranians-mostly civilians-have been killed, with hundreds more wounded, as Israeli's intensify their multi-pronged attacks on both military and civilian infrastructure. Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani has labeled the recent airstrike on Farabi Hospital in Kermanshah a 'war crime', accusing Israel of targeting non-military sites indiscriminately.

Fears of Nuclear Fallout

Simultaneously, the Natanz uranium enrichment site, one of Iran's most sensitive nuclear facilities, was reportedly hit by Israeli missiles. The UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed significant structural damage to the facility late Monday, fuelling fears of nuclear fallout and further conflict escalation.

Explosions and missile interception activity have been widely reported across Tehran and central Iran, signalling a dramatic escalation in what was initially a targeted campaign.

Diplomatic Confusion and Mixed Messaging from the U.S.

Despite Trump's forceful rhetoric and calls for evacuation, White House spokesperson Alex Pfeiffer clarified that the U.S. is not participating in attacks against Iran.

“American forces are maintaining their defensive posture, and that has not changed. We will defend American interests,” Pfeiffer said in a Monday night statement.

Earlier in the day, Trump appeared to suggest that diplomacy was still in play, saying from the G7 summit in Canada:

“I think a deal will be signed. I think Iran is foolish not to sign one.”

He claimed the U.S. was in communication with Iranian officials by phone, and hinted at a possible in-person meeting.

“They [Iran] want to make a deal, and as soon as I leave here, we're going to be doing something. But I have to leave here,” Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One to return to Washington.

His sudden departure from the summit broke from a G7 consensus, as other leaders issued a joint statement calling for immediate de-escalation. Trump did not endorse the declaration, raising concerns among allies about the U.S.'s long-term strategic intentions.

Trump's Inner Circle Mobilizes

According to senior administration officials, Trump is expected to convene a high-level security meeting upon landing in Washington. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President JD Vance, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, and National Security Adviser James Liddell will be among those in attendance.

A White House official said Trump continues to receive real-time updates and has“options on the table,” though no decision has been made on direct U.S. military involvement.

Backchannel Diplomacy and Regional Mediation

While official U.S. military action remains off the record, diplomatic efforts are accelerating behind closed doors. According to Reuters, Iran has reached out to Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, urging them to pressure the U.S. to rein in Israeli operations and push for a ceasefire.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi signaled potential flexibility in nuclear negotiations if Israeli attacks are halted.

“If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential. Israel must halt its aggression. Without a total cessation, our responses will continue,” Araqchi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

French Response and G7 Dynamics

French President Emmanuel Macron, who has positioned himself as a key European mediator, labeled Trump's early G7 departure a“positive move”, noting:

“If it brings him to the table with Tehran and prevents catastrophe, then it is a risk worth taking.”

However, Macron also emphasized the need for multilateral cooperation, expressing concern that unilateral action could undermine international law and stability.

Ongoing Civilian Toll and Humanitarian Crisis

As of Tuesday morning, Israel's military reports 24 of its civilians killed by Iranian missile retaliation, with nearly 3,000 residents evacuated from vulnerable areas. Meanwhile, in Iran, civilians are sheltering in subway stations, and some emergency financial markets have closed to avoid capital flight.

There are growing calls for international humanitarian intervention, especially in areas like Kermanshah, where medical facilities are damaged and overwhelmed.

The global community remains on edge as Washington, Tehran, and Jerusalem weigh their next moves. With diplomacy hanging by a thread and military operations ongoing, the next 48 hours could determine whether the conflict spirals into full-scale regional war-or veers toward a fragile, last-minute truce.

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