US President Donald Trump reignites concerns with social media warning urging Tehran residents to evacuate
Oil prices and global equity markets swung on Tuesday as escalating tensions in the Middle East collided with glimmers of diplomatic movement over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The volatility followed remarks by US President Donald Trump, who called on residents of Tehran to evacuate, raising alarm over a potential escalation between Iran and Israel.
Posting on social media, Mr Trump said:
“Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign… Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”
He warned that “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” reigniting fears of direct confrontation.
Oil prices, which had dipped on Monday after Friday’s sharp rally, briefly surged by nearly two percent before retreating. The gains were tempered by analysts who downplayed the risk of disruption to key oil routes.
“The likelihood of Iran taking any action in the Strait of Hormuz… appears very remote,” said George Brown, senior economist at Schroders, noting that such a move would also affect neighbouring nations seeking to mediate the crisis.
The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier was redeployed from Southeast Asia, and the Pentagon confirmed it was sending “additional capabilities” to the Middle East. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the ongoing military operation was “changing the face of the Middle East.”
While Washington insists it is not involved in Israel’s actions, Iranian officials have warned the US against entering the conflict, saying American interests could be targeted.
Meanwhile, European diplomats from the UK, France, and Germany reportedly urged Iran to resume nuclear talks. According to The Wall Street Journal, Tehran has signalled it may consider re-engagement, provided the US stays out of the military conflict.
President Trump, attending the G7 summit in Canada, later cast doubt on French President Emmanuel Macron’s push for a ceasefire initiative, stating:
“This is big stuff. I have to get back as soon as I can.”
Asian stock markets were mixed. Tokyo, Singapore, and Seoul posted gains, while Hong Kong, Sydney, and Mumbai fell. In Europe, the FTSE 100, Paris CAC, and Frankfurt DAX also saw losses.
Leaders at the G7 summit expressed concern over Trump’s global tariff strategy, warning it could destabilise the international economy. Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan held interest rates steady, pledging to slow bond tapering—sending the yen slightly lower.
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