TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel has issued an urgent evacuation order for over 330,000 residents in central Tehran as its aerial assault on Iran deepens. The unprecedented move marks the fourth consecutive day of intensifying conflict, targeting Iran’s military infrastructure and nuclear capabilities.
Amid the escalating crisis, a live Iranian TV broadcast was abruptly halted as explosions struck the state-run television headquarters. The anchor fled the studio mid-sentence as dust filled the room and the signal cut out.
Shortly after, former U.S. President Donald Trump posted a stark message on his social media platform:
“IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,” adding, “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” 
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump was cutting his G7 summit trip in Canada short due to the unfolding conflict.
Israel Claims Major Strikes Against Iran’s Nuclear Program
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel’s strikes have significantly delayed Iran’s nuclear efforts.
“The regime is very weak,” he said, noting ongoing coordination with Trump.
Israel claims to have neutralized top Iranian military leaders, uranium enrichment facilities, and key scientists in a wave of airstrikes that have reportedly killed at least 224 people since Friday. Tehran continues to assert its nuclear program is peaceful.
Despite longstanding U.S. assessments that Iran hasn’t pursued a nuclear weapon since 2003, the International Atomic Energy Agency recently warned that Iran possesses enough enriched uranium to produce several bombs if it chose to.
Iran Retaliates with Hundreds of Missiles
Iran has responded fiercely, firing over 370 missiles and deploying hundreds of drones toward Israel. The Israeli death toll has reached 24, with more than 500 injured.
Israel’s military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin claimed the country has achieved “full aerial superiority over Tehran’s skies.”
He stated Israeli forces destroyed over 120 missile launchers in central Iran, two F-14 jets, and several Quds Force command centers.
Civilian Impact and International Fallout
Israel’s evacuation warning covers central Tehran, home to major institutions, including the Revolutionary Guard-run hospital and state TV. With Tehran’s population around 9.5 million, the warning has sparked chaos across the capital.
Explosions have rocked several major Israeli cities including Tel Aviv, Petah Tikva, and Haifa. In Haifa, an Iranian missile strike on an oil refinery killed three workers and triggered a massive fire.
In Tel Aviv, one missile struck near the U.S. consulate. No American injuries were reported, though damage was confirmed.
Iran Signals Willingness for Diplomatic De-Escalation
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on social media that the war could be halted with U.S. intervention, stating:
“It takes one phone call from Washington to muzzle someone like Netanyahu.”
He added that Iran would cease attacks if Israel reciprocates.
The growing crisis has also triggered widespread airport shutdowns across the Middle East, stranding thousands and paralyzing travel.
Health officials in Iran report over 1,277 injured, while advocacy groups claim that the actual death toll may exceed 400, including nearly 200 civilians.
Israel’s spy agency Mossad is reported to have used pre-placed drones and precision-guided munitions within Iran ahead of the strikes. Iranian authorities have arrested multiple individuals and executed one for alleged espionage.
As hostilities deepen, the world watches anxiously—fearing that what started as targeted strikes may spiral into a full-blown regional war.
