U.S. President Donald Trump declared Monday night that he wants a “real end” to the Iranian nuclear issue and may dispatch senior envoys to meet Iranian counterparts, as Israeli airstrikes continued for a fifth day across Iran. The statement followed Trump’s early exit from the G7 summit in Canada, which he insisted was unrelated to ceasefire efforts.

Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasized the urgency: “Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,” he wrote on Truth Social, also urging civilians to evacuate Tehran.

Israeli Air War Widens; Iran Retaliates with Missiles and Drones

The Israeli military said it had killed Iran’s wartime chief of staff and struck missile sites and weapons depots. Explosions rocked cities including Tehran, Natanz, and Lorestan. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards responded with new waves of missile and drone attacks, escalating regional fears.

Rafael Grossi of the IAEA confirmed that the Natanz site suffered “extensive damage,” likely destroying 15,000 centrifuges. The Fordow site, however, remains largely intact—still a flashpoint.

Diplomacy Still Possible—But Clock Is Ticking

Trump said he might send either Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff or Vice President J.D. Vance to meet with Iran. Tehran has asked Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to urge Washington to press Israel for a ceasefire. In return, Iran may soften its nuclear posture.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X: “If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy… Israel must halt its aggression.”

Civilian Toll Mounts; Global Oil Routes at Risk

Iranian authorities reported 224 deaths, mostly civilians. Israel reported 24 civilian casualties and 3,000 displaced. The UAE evacuated 24 crew members after a ship collision near the Strait of Hormuz—through which a fifth of global oil flows—adding to tensions in global markets.

Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy advised its citizens to leave Israel via land crossings due to escalating violence.