In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has urged residents of Tehran to evacuate the city immediately. This urgent call was issued on Tuesday amidst a backdrop of increasingly aggressive rhetoric following a series of alarming messages from US President Donald Trump. As the conflict between Israel and Iran extends into its fifth day with no signs of de-escalation, the situation remains precarious.
The tone of communications from the US has shifted significantly, reflecting rising concerns that Washington may soon join the conflict. President Trump emphasized his current lack of interest in negotiations, stating on Tuesday that he was “not too much in the mood to negotiate now,” and hinted at looking for solutions beyond a ceasefire. This statement followed his urgent request on Monday night for residents to evacuate Tehran shortly after Israeli forces recommended that individuals in the northeastern parts of the capital leave in anticipation of strikes aimed at what they labeled as “military infrastructure.”
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump reiterated his position that Iran must not possess a nuclear weapon, expressing regret over what he characterized as a missed opportunity for peace. He stated, “Iran should have signed the 'deal' I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life.” Trump called for immediate evacuation, further asserting, “If they want to talk, they know how to reach me. They should have taken the deal that was on the table - Would have saved a lot of lives!!!”
As tensions escalate, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not ruled out the possibility of targeting Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. In an interview with ABC News, Netanyahu claimed that such an action would not escalate the conflict but rather bring it to an end. He stated, “Israel is doing what we need to do.”
Minister Katz echoed these sentiments, warning that Khamenei could face a fate similar to that of Saddam Hussein, who was executed following the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. Katz cautioned the Iranian leadership against continuing to perpetrate war crimes and launch missiles at Israeli civilians, asserting that Israel would persist in its military strikes against Iranian regime and military targets.
In light of the escalating situation, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced that the 27-member bloc has activated its citizen protection mechanism to assist in evacuations. Kallas stated, “We have member states that have planes evacuating their nationals. We coordinate the efforts so that our citizens are safe.” This initiative highlights the increasing urgency of the situation as international efforts aim to ensure the safety of their citizens amidst the chaos.
Israel has claimed dominance over Tehran's airspace, threatening that “Tehran will burn” if additional missiles are launched at Israeli territory. However, the Iranian leadership has vowed to respond with an even “more severe and powerful response,” indicating a potential widening of the conflict to include attacks on Israel's allies.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides preparing for further military actions and diplomatic uncertainties looming. The international community watches closely as the conflict unfolds, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes peace and stability in the region.
