Israel orders Tehran evacuation as conflict with Iran escalates

Israel has ordered the evacuation of 330,000 people in central Tehran as its aerial campaign against Iran enters its fourth day, expanding amid rising tensions.

In a live broadcast interrupted by explosions near Iran’s state TV headquarters, an Iranian news anchor fled the studio, highlighting the escalating conflict’s immediacy.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning on social media, urging an immediate evacuation of Tehran and emphasizing that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons. The White House later confirmed Trump would cut short his G7 summit visit to return to Washington amid the crisis.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the airstrikes have significantly delayed Iran’s nuclear program, asserting Israel’s operations target military leadership, nuclear sites, and scientists to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Since Friday, at least 224 people have died in Iran due to the strikes.

Iran maintains its nuclear activities are peaceful, though the International Atomic Energy Agency has warned that Iran now possesses sufficient enriched uranium to produce multiple nuclear bombs if it chooses.

In retaliation, Iran has launched over 370 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel, killing 24 and injuring more than 500, according to Israeli reports. The conflict raises fears of a full-scale war destabilizing the region.

Israel’s military declared it has achieved full aerial control over Tehran’s airspace and struck numerous missile launchers and command centers linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard’s Quds Force.

A missile also landed near the U.S. consulate in Tel Aviv, causing minor damage without injuries. Meanwhile, explosions rocked Tel Aviv, Petah Tikva, and a Haifa oil refinery, where three workers died after a missile strike caused a fire and structural collapse.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi signaled potential openness to U.S. mediation if the fighting stops, urging Washington to pressure Israel toward diplomacy. Recent U.S.-Iran talks were canceled after Israeli strikes targeted senior Iranian officials.

The conflict’s impact is widespread, with several Middle Eastern countries closing their airspace, disrupting travel for tens of thousands. Iranian officials report over 1,200 injured and fuel rationing amid logistical challenges. Human rights groups warn the death toll is likely higher than official figures.

Reports indicate Israeli intelligence planted explosive drones inside Iran before the attacks, prompting arrests and one execution in Iran on espionage charges.