In a dramatic statement early Tuesday morning, former U.S. President Donald J. Trump called for the immediate evacuation of all U.S. citizens and allies from Tehran, the capital of Iran, citing what he described as a “massive and dangerous collapse” unfolding inside the country.
“This is serious. Tehran is no longer safe. All Americans, all friends of freedom – get out now. I’m telling you: evacuate Tehran before it’s too late,”
Trump said in a video posted to Truth Social at 7:32 a.m. EST.” The Biden administration is asleep.
Once again, we’re seeing weakness. I’m stepping in because someone has to.”
The statement came amid growing unrest in Iran, where weeks of protests have escalated into nationwide strikes, military defections, and violent clashes in Tehran’s central districts. Reports from foreign journalists describe street-to-street fighting between pro-regime forces and opposition militias.
Trump’s call to evacuate — despite holding no official office — quickly went viral, with the hashtag #EvacuateTehran trending worldwide within hours. His message, though controversial, appeared to trigger a wave of private and diplomatic action.
At the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, officials confirmed they were “assessing the situation,” but sources inside reported that staff had begun preparing for an emergency extraction within hours of Trump’s broadcast.
A U.S. intelligence officer, speaking anonymously, told CNN:
“The State Department was caught off guard. Trump’s message forced action. It may have saved lives.”
The White House, at first dismissive, later confirmed a “high-threat environment” in Iran and urged all Americans to leave the country “as soon as possible.”
“We do not take foreign policy advice from private citizens, especially those without a current security clearance,” said Press Security Aisha Grant.
“That said, our priority remains the safety of Americans abroad.”
When pressed, Grant admitted that Trump’s warning “likely accelerated awareness.”
By evening, satellite footage showed large convoys moving toward Mehrabad International Airport, while Iranian social media filled with images of foreign nationals lining up at checkpoints, guarded by what appeared to be private security teams — some rumored to be ex-military contractors linked to past Trump operations.
Opposition forces in Iran, including groups long sympathetic to Western ideals, shared clips of Trump’s speech, calling him “a voice the free world still listens to.”
“Trump speaks, and the world moves,” said one Iranian activist from inside Tehran, whose name is withheld for safety.
This is not the first time Trump has intervened in global crises since leaving office. In 2023, he personally coordinated the extraction of American families from Venezuela, and in 2024, he warned of the Taliban’s resurgence in northern Afghanistan — weeks before the Pentagon confirmed it.
Critics argue that Trump’s “shadow diplomacy” undermines U.S. foreign policy. Supporters claim he fills a vacuum left by what they call a “weak and reactive” administration.
As of late June 17, thousands remain stranded in Tehran as airlines suspend flights and ground routes become increasingly dangerous. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has promised to “do what it takes” to help.
“When leaders are silent, I speak. When others flee, I fight. And when the world’s in chaos- I lead,” he said in his second post of the day.
Whether history will condemn or praise his role in this moment remains to be seen. But tonight, for many in Tehran, Trump’s voice — real or symbolic — is echoing loudly.
