The Israeli military has ordered thousands of residents to evacuate central Tehran to avoid casualties ahead of intensified operations, as its air campaign on the Iranian capital appeared to broaden on the fourth day of escalating conflict.
Israel’s warning follows a statement from United States President Donald Trump, who called for the immediate evacuation of Iran’s state-run TV station.
“IRAN CANNOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,” Trump wrote, adding, “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”
Earlier, the Israeli military had called for approximately 330,000 residents of a central neighborhood in Tehran to leave the area immediately, suggesting that the next phase of the campaign could involve more direct strikes on densely populated zones.
This development is particularly alarming given Tehran’s size. With a population of around 10 million, roughly equivalent to the entire population of Israel, the potential for mass displacement and humanitarian fallout is significant.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the ongoing strikes have set Iran’s nuclear program back a “very, very long time.”
He also confirmed he is in regular contact with Trump on the evolving situation.
“The regime is very weak,” Netanyahu added, indicating that Israel sees an opportunity to pressure Tehran further.
According to Israel, its sweeping assault on Iran’s top military commanders, uranium enrichment facilities, and nuclear scientists is necessary to prevent its longtime adversary from advancing further toward developing a nuclear weapon.
So far, the air campaign has resulted in at least 224 deaths in Iran since Friday and has forced hundreds of civilians to flee their homes in panic.
In response, Iran has launched more than 370 missiles and hundreds of drones at various Israeli targets, escalating the conflict into a full-scale regional confrontation.
The Israeli government confirmed that 24 people have been killed on its side, with more than 500 others injured.
Tensions escalated further on Tuesday when the Israeli military reported a new barrage of missile attacks.
Loud explosions were heard across northern Israel, signaling that Iran’s retaliation remains ongoing and potentially expanding in scope.
