Trump Delivers Strong Warning to Iran Over Troop Safety
As tensions escalate in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump issued a firm warning to Iran, emphasizing that American troops must not be targeted. Speaking aboard Air Force One while returning to Washington, Trump expressed a no-nonsense approach, signaling that any provocation would trigger a forceful response. "We’ll come down so hard, it’d be gloves off," he asserted.
On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump reinforced his stance, declaring, "I have not reached out to Iran for ‘Peace Talks’ in any way, shape, or form… They should have taken the deal that was on the table, would have saved a lot of lives!!!"
Signs of Unrest and Military Moves
Meanwhile, developments in Iran indicate growing unrest. Tehran shows signs of panic with long queues at gas stations, closure of the historic Grand Bazaar, and reports of thousands fleeing west toward the Caspian Sea. While no official evacuation order has been issued, the Israeli government’s advisory urging 300,000 residents to leave Tehran ahead of potential airstrikes has further stoked tensions.
Adding to the pressure, the Israeli military claims to have assassinated Gen. Ali Shadmani, a top commander in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, though Tehran has yet to officially confirm this.
Backing Trump’s tough rhetoric, the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is en route to the region, and American missile-defense ships in the eastern Mediterranean have already intercepted rockets launched toward Israel during the weekend.
Calls for Diplomacy and Caution from Global Leaders
European nations, including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, are urging restraint amidst the escalating crisis. France’s Foreign Minister has appealed to Iran to return to dialogue "without conditions," warning against nuclear escalation or withdrawing from the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Italy’s Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of diplomacy, urging for calm during her recent meeting with Trump at the G7 summit in Canada. However, Trump dismissed rumors of hastening his trip to broker a ceasefire, stating on social media, "Much bigger than that."
Evacuations and Regional Responses
Amid mounting concerns, India has initiated evacuations of its nationals from Tehran, advising others to exit the country via Armenia. Concurrently, 20 Arab countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, issued a joint condemnation of Israel’s actions, calling for an immediate ceasefire and advocating for regional nuclear disarmament.
G7's Firm Stance Against Nuclear Proliferation
In a united front, G7 leaders released a statement underlining that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons. They acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense while identifying Iran as a primary source of destabilization and terror in the region.
Despite diplomatic pressures, Iran remains steadfast, refusing negotiations while under attack. When questioned about a potential diplomatic mission involving Vice President Vance and businessman Steve Witkoff, Trump left the decision open-ended: "Depends on what happens when I get back."
