Summary
- President Trump called for an emergency evacuation from Tehran and warned of rising tensions with Iran.
- Mutual attacks continue between Israel and Iran, and Trump emphasized casualties resulting from the lack of a nuclear agreement.
- Iran expressed a willingness to return to talks if the U.S. refrains from military intervention, but recent Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities led to the cancellation of negotiations.
Trump: "Casualties Resulting from Rejection of Nuclear Deal"
Strong Evacuation Warning for Iran's Capital
As intense mutual attacks between Israel and Iran continue for the fifth consecutive day, U.S. President Donald Trump on the 16th (local time) urged the immediate evacuation from Tehran, the capital of Iran.
Through social media, President Trump emphasized, "Iran must never have a single nuclear weapon," and stated, "Everyone must leave Tehran immediately." Although he did not specify a particular group, this is interpreted as a de facto warning akin to an evacuation order for Americans who may still be in the area. At the same time, it suggests to the Iranian people the possibility of a larger attack and urges preparations to protect lives.
President Trump also pointed out, "Iran should have signed the agreement (the nuclear deal between the U.S. and Iran) that I suggested," criticizing that unnecessary casualties have resulted from its rejection. This remark is seen as targeting the ongoing nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, which have continued for two months.
On the same day, at the Group of Seven (G7) summit held in Alberta, Canada, President Trump asserted, "As I have said, the agreement will be signed," expressing his confidence. These remarks are interpreted as implying that, faced with Israeli attacks, Iran may move toward returning to the nuclear deal.
According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Iran recently communicated through Middle Eastern countries that "if the U.S. does not intervene in the attacks, it is willing to return to the negotiating table." Both sides had originally planned to hold the sixth round of nuclear talks in Oman on the 15th, but the negotiations were canceled right before the meeting as Israel attacked Iran's nuclear facilities.
Reporter Da-yeon Lim allopen@hankyung.com
Korea Economic Daily
hankyung@bloomingbit.ioThe Korea Economic Daily Global is a digital media where latest news on Korean companies, industries, and financial markets.
