Panic gripped Tehran on Wednesday as U.S. President Donald Trump warned residents to evacuate the Iranian capital and signaled potential American military involvement in ongoing Israel-Iran hostilities. A senior source confirmed Trump is considering joining Israel in airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites.
The warning came as Iran and Israel exchanged fresh barrages of missile fire, escalating a conflict that has already left hundreds dead and raised fears of a broader Middle East war.
“UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” Trump declared on social media, in a dramatic statement that accompanied threats against Iranian leadership and musings about assassinating Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Exodus from Tehran
Following Trump’s comments, traffic jams choked roads out of Tehran, with thousands fleeing north amid growing fears of incoming strikes. Iranian media reported that residents in southwestern districts—where Israeli airstrikes were anticipated—were especially quick to evacuate.
Fuel purchases were restricted, and Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said the government was taking steps to avoid shortages, but insisted the public would not face disruptions.
Meanwhile, clashes erupted in the city of Rey, south of the capital, between Iranian security forces and unidentified gunmen. Iranian state media hinted at possible Israeli involvement, alleging the attackers aimed to stage “terrorist operations in densely populated areas.”
Heavy Firepower and High Death Toll
In a major escalation, Israel launched 50 fighter jets overnight to strike at least 20 Iranian military targets in and around Tehran, including sites tied to missile production and the Revolutionary Guards.
Iran said Israel had also targeted a university affiliated with the Guards and the Khojir missile facility—a repeat target from previous conflicts.
The Israeli military said around 400 Iranian missiles have been fired at the country since Friday, with about 40 breaching air defenses, killing 24 Israeli civilians. Iran’s civilian death toll stands at 224, according to government sources, though the number has not been updated in days.
Israel has also begun a phased airlift to repatriate citizens stranded abroad, following its surprise strike that initiated the current phase of the conflict.
U.S. on the Brink of War
A source familiar with White House discussions told Reuters that Trump met with the National Security Council on Tuesday for 90 minutes, exploring options including direct military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. He also spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Analysts say the Fordow enrichment plant, located deep under a mountain, could only be destroyed by massive U.S. bunker-buster bombs.
Though the U.S. military has so far acted indirectly, including shooting down Iranian missiles aimed at Israel, Pentagon officials confirmed additional fighter jets were being deployed to the Middle East, and current aircraft deployments were being extended.
Conflicting Messages and Market Jitters
Trump’s public comments have added confusion. In quick succession on Truth Social, he posted:
“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding… We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now… Our patience is wearing thin.”
Three minutes later: “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”
Markets have responded nervously, with oil prices surging and diplomatic observers warning of potential economic shocks if the U.S. enters the war.
Despite growing speculation, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said there was no indication the U.S. had committed to military intervention, speaking from the G7 summit in Canada, which Trump left early.
Iran’s Leadership Under Siege
Sources close to the Iranian regime say Khamenei’s inner circle has been decimated by Israeli strikes. According to five individuals familiar with the matter, key military and security advisers were killed, severely hampering the regime’s decision-making capabilities.
In response, Iran’s cybersecurity command has reportedly banned the use of communications devices and mobile phones by officials to prevent further targeting.
Iran’s regional influence has steadily diminished since Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel, which triggered the ongoing Gaza war. Israel has since systematically struck Iran-backed militias across the Middle East, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthis in Yemen, and militias in Iraq. Even Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, once a strong ally, has reportedly been ousted.
What’s Next?
Israel says its main objective is to disable Iran’s nuclear capabilities, and denies any intention of occupying Iranian territory. Iran continues to claim its nuclear program is peaceful, though Western nations dispute this.
Trump has hinted that the Israeli assault could cease if Iran agrees to strict restrictions on uranium enrichment. But with tensions rising and the potential for U.S. military involvement growing, the region teeters on the brink of full-scale war.
