Israel-Iran conflict: Donald Trump calls for Tehran evacuation; leaves G7 abruptly - 5 points

1. French President Emmanuel Macron described Trump’s early G7 exit as a potentially constructive move, given the urgency of achieving a ceasefire.

"There is an offer that has been made, especially to have a ceasefire and to initiate broader discussions. And I think this is a very good thing," Macron told reporters. "So now we need to see what the stakeholders will do."

2. According to Iranian media, explosions and heavy anti-aircraft fire were reported in Tehran early Tuesday, with air defence systems also activated in Natanz, the site of key nuclear facilities located 320 km away. The Asriran news website reported the activity amid fears of further escalation.

3. Despite the growing crisis, a White House aide denied any U.S. military involvement against Iran. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News that Trump remained open to a nuclear agreement but emphasized that American forces would protect regional assets.

4. In Israel, air raid sirens rang out in Tel Aviv after midnight as Iranian missile attacks continued. An explosion was reportedly heard in the city. Iranian officials claimed 224 deaths — mostly civilians — over five days of conflict, while Israel reported 24 civilian fatalities. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said nearly 3,000 people had been evacuated due to damages caused by Iranian strikes.

5. According to sources cited by Reuters, Tehran had reached out to Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to urge President Trump to press Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for an immediate ceasefire. In exchange, Iran signaled it could show flexibility in nuclear negotiations.

"If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X. "Israel must halt its aggression, and absent a total cessation of military aggression against us, our responses will continue."