As Iran and Israel exchange deadly strikes, Trump has warned of a possible major escalation and rejected a unified G7 statement on de-escalation.
BY PC Bureau
June 17, 2025 — As the war between Israel and Iran intensifies into its fifth consecutive day, U.S. President Donald Trump has abruptly ended his visit to the G7 summit in Canada, citing the urgent situation in the Middle East. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also returning to Washington, DC, tonight with Trump. .The conflict has already left over 240 people dead across both countries.
Trump’s departure came hours after Iran launched its ninth wave of missile attacks against Israel in the early hours of Tuesday. Air raid sirens blared across multiple Israeli cities as the Israel Defense Forces scrambled to intercept incoming projectiles. Israeli authorities have since advised civilians that it is safe to leave bomb shelters, as most missiles were reportedly intercepted.
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In retaliation, Israel has escalated its own offensive. According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli strikes have targeted key Iranian military sites, including missile storage facilities, fighter jet bases, and the headquarters of Iran’s state TV channel, IRINN. Netanyahu claimed that recent attacks had “set back Iran’s nuclear program a very, very long time.” Iranian sources reported that multiple senior military commanders and nuclear scientists were among the dead.
President Trump gives a terrifying warning to Iranians living in Tehran:
“Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”
Keep praying for peace. pic.twitter.com/b1FHkj40gb
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) June 16, 2025
Meanwhile, Trump issued a stark warning on Truth Social, urging all civilians in Tehran to evacuate “immediately.” Though he gave no reason, a senior White House official later told CNN the post was intended to pressure Tehran into returning to the negotiating table. “Iran should have signed the deal I offered them. What a shame. I’ve said it repeatedly: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump wrote.
The White House also confirmed that Trump will not endorse the G7’s joint statement calling for de-escalation between Iran and Israel. Despite this, French President Emmanuel Macron revealed that Trump has proposed a framework for a ceasefire and broader talks. “There is indeed an offer to meet and exchange — especially to push for a ceasefire and reinitiate dialogue,” Macron said.
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At the summit, held in the Canadian Rockies, the G7 leaders — from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the EU — struggled to present a unified front amid disagreements over Middle East policy and ongoing divisions regarding Ukraine. Trump’s overt support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his refusal to approve joint communiqués on several issues, including artificial intelligence and critical minerals, further deepened tensions. A European diplomat noted that without U.S. endorsement, it remains uncertain whether any joint declaration will be issued.
After Iran 🇮🇷 ignored warnings not to target our soldiers and bases, they struck Tel Aviv, killing 24, and hit a US embassy. Minutes later, Trump issued a stark warning, urging Tehran to evacuate immediately—leading to a mass exodus. US planes are now en route to the Middle East.… pic.twitter.com/2RPV4Xk7Bc
— Scott Adams (@scottadamsshow) June 17, 2025
Despite his confrontational posture, Trump’s administration insists diplomacy remains the goal. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Fox News that Trump continues to pursue a nuclear deal with Iran. “Our forces are positioned defensively. We’re trying to avoid escalation while seeking a peaceful solution,” Hegseth said.
Inside Iran, government officials have condemned Israel’s attacks, vowing further retaliation. Meanwhile, Iranian media has confirmed the ongoing wave of missile launches will continue until dawn Tuesday. On Sunday, reports emerged that Israel had floated a plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — a plan Trump reportedly rejected, according to U.S. officials.
As of Tuesday morning, official tallies indicate that 224 people have died in Iran and 24 in Israel since hostilities began.
With global diplomacy hanging in the balance, Trump’s early return to Washington signals the growing urgency of the crisis. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the escalating conflict spirals further or can be halted through diplomacy.
