Israel claimed it killed a top Iranian general on Tuesday, intensifying the ongoing conflict with Iran. At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump warned residents of Tehran to evacuate immediately, signaling rising fears of a wider war. Trump also suggested the United States might abandon negotiations with Iran as the situation worsens.
Trump left the G7 summit in Canada early to focus on the crisis. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he said, “I’m not looking at a ceasefire. We want a real end.” He added that Iran may have to “give up entirely,” showing his tough stance on the conflict. Despite this, he kept the door open for diplomacy, saying his team might still meet Iranian officials.
The violence has forced many Tehran residents to flee, with shops and the ancient Grand Bazaar closing for the first time since major crises. Traffic jammed roads out of the city as people sought safety, while gas lines grew long. Iranian authorities called for medical staff to stay on duty as the city faced repeated missile strikes and explosions.
Israel said its air campaign targets Iran’s military leaders, nuclear scientists, and uranium enrichment sites to stop Tehran from building a nuclear weapon. The strikes have killed at least 224 people in Iran, while Iran has fired hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel, killing 24. Israel reported killing another top Iranian general, Gen. Ali Shadmani, recently appointed after a similar strike killed his predecessor.
Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that Israeli attacks damaged Iran’s underground nuclear facility at Natanz, a key site for uranium enrichment. This marks a serious blow to Iran’s nuclear program. However, Israel has not yet struck Iran’s deeply buried Fordo facility, which would likely require U.S. military involvement and the use of powerful bunker-buster bombs.
As tensions rise, Trump faces increasing pressure to respond firmly. Though he demands Iran’s full surrender, he has not ruled out sending Vice President JD Vance and envoy Steve Witkoff to hold talks. The world now watches closely as the conflict threatens to spiral further.