Donald Trump has made an urgent plea amid a stark warning that Iran would not be allowed any nuclear weapons – as the conflict between the nation and Israel continues
US President Donald Trump has posted an ominous message calling for the immediate evacuation of the Iranian capital of Tehran.
The world leader said more than once yesterday that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. He reiterated his point on social media, writing: “IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON”. His post in full read: “Iran should have signed the “deal” I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”
Mr Trump has made the warning while he is in Canada, attending the G7 summit. Keir Starmer struck a trade deal with Mr Trump there, despite the bungling Republican accidentally dropping a key document and referring to an “EU deal” while talking about his arrangement with the UK.
This deal contrasts with apparent negotiations Mr Trump, 79, tried with Iran. The President said Iran should have agreed to the “deal” he told them to sign to prevent what he called “a shame, and waste of human life,” referring to Israel’s attacks in recent days.
Airports, meanwhile, are closed across the Middle East, stranding tens of thousands of people. Retired pilot and aviation safety expert John Cox, who said the disruptions will have a huge price tag.
“You’ve got thousands of passengers suddenly that are not where they’re supposed to be, crews that are not where they are supposed to be, airplanes that are not where they’re supposed to be,” he said.
Iran’s airspace is completely closed, and Israel has closed its main international Ben Gurion Airport “until further notice.” Although airspace is still partially open in Lebanon and Jordan, the situation is chaotic at airports there. Neighboring Iraq’s airports have all closed due to its close proximity to Iran. Some Iraqis stranded there have opted to leave by land.
Israel says more missiles from Iran are on their way. The military said defence systems were operating to intercept the missiles. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
Many in Israel support attacking Iran, it is thought. While no opinion polls have been released since Israel launched a surprise attack on Friday, much of the Israeli public seems to be lining up behind the operation in these early days.
As they surveyed the damage and moved to hotels or the homes of loved ones, some Petah Tikva residents said Israel must keep up its attacks to survive. One woman said four of her neighbours were killed and much of her apartment destroyed.