The conflict between Israel and Iran continued to escalate for a fifth day pushing the region to the edge of a full-scale war. Over the night the region witnessed marked missile exchanges, drone interceptions and urgent evacuation orders.As air raid sirens blared in Israel and explosions lit up the skies over Tehran, US President Donald Trump cut short his appearance at the G7 summit in Canada, warning civilians to “immediately evacuate Tehran.” He later posted from Air Force One that “IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,” signalling an increasingly hardline stance.

With death tolls rising, evacuation orders issued for hundreds of thousands, and regional airspace grinding to a halt, the situation has sparked fears of a much larger regional conflagration. Despite the bloodshed, Trump insists Iran still wants a deal, even as his military team gathers in Washington and Israel claims total control over Iranian skies.

Here are the 10 major developments:

Iran loses second top commander as Israel kills war-time chief of staff Ali Shadmani

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have announced the elimination of Ali Shadmani, Iran’s newly appointed wartime Chief of Staff, in a targeted airstrike on central Tehran. The IDF stated that following “a sudden opportunity overnight,” Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck a manned command centre, killing Shadmani, who was described as “the most senior military commander and the closest figure to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.”Shadmani had assumed his position just days earlier, succeeding Gholam Ali Rashid, who was also killed in an Israeli strike. The IDF noted that Shadmani had commanded both the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian armed forces, and his death represents a significant blow to Iran’s military leadership. This operation marks the second such elimination within five days, following the death of his predecessor.

‘Indian students in Tehran have been moved out of the city’: MEA

The ministry of external affairs (MEA) on Tuesday confirmed that Indian students in Tehran have been moved out of the city for safety reasons, with arrangements made by the Embassy of India. In light of the worsening security situation, other Indian residents who are self-sufficient in terms of transport have also been advised to relocate to safer areas outside the capital.“Indian students in Tehran have been moved out of the city for reasons of safety, through arrangements made by the Embassy. Other residents who are self-sufficient in terms of transport have also been advised to move out of the city in view of the developing situation,” the MEA said.The ministry also stated that some Indian nationals had been assisted in leaving Iran through the border with Armenia.The Embassy remains in regular contact with the Indian community and continues to offer all feasible assistance. “Further advisories may be issued given the fluid situation,” the MEA added.

Iran launches fresh wave of missiles toward Israel

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that Iran had launched another salvo of missiles toward Israel in the early hours of Tuesday. Air raid sirens sounded across northern Israel, and residents were ordered to take shelter. While the IDF’s defence systems intercepted many of the missiles. “We will defend American interests,” said White House spokesperson Alex Pfeiffer, confirming US forces remained in a defensive posture. Despite the fresh attacks, there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the latest barrage.

Trump calls for Tehran’s evacuation, departs G7 early

From Canada’s G7 summit, President Donald Trump issued a warning: “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” He reiterated on Truth Social that “IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,” and blamed Iran for not signing the deal he had proposed. Soon after the post, the White House announced Trump would return to Washington ahead of schedule “because of what’s going on in the Middle East.” National Security Council members were called into the Situation Room as Trump signalled the US would remain on high alert.

G7 summit divided as Trump refuses to sign joint statement

The G7 summit in Canada saw a major rift as President Trump refused to endorse a joint statement calling for de-escalation. European leaders, including Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer, had pushed for a unified message affirming Israel’s right to self-defence and condemning Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Trump’s refusal blocked consensus. According to CNN, Trump had given Iran a two-month ultimatum earlier this year, and the current strikes were timed to follow that deadline. His exit from the summit symbolised the shifting priorities of US foreign policy amid a rapidly widening conflict.

Israel issues evacuation warning; thousands flee Tehran

On Monday, Israel’s military issued a mass evacuation warning to around 330,000 people in central Tehran, targeting an area that includes Iran’s state TV headquarters, police buildings, and three major hospitals—one linked to the Revolutionary Guard. The warning comes as part of Israel’s ongoing air campaign against Iran, which has already prompted large-scale displacement.Tehran, home to roughly 9.5 million people, has seen a surge in people fleeing the city. One resident, Alireza, told The Washington Post he left for Gilan province after an airstrike hit near his home: “We were lucky to leave very early… the roads got really crowded.”Both The Post and The New York Times reported long queues at petrol stations, with some resorting to rationing, after Israel targeted vital energy infrastructure including refineries and fuel depots.

China urges citizens to leave Israel

China’s embassy in Israel on Tuesday urged its citizens to leave the country “as soon as possible” . In a statement on WeChat, the embassy advised Chinese nationals to exit via land border crossings, “on the precondition that they can guarantee their personal safety,” adding, “It is recommended to depart in the direction of Jordan.” The embassy warned that the conflict is “continuing to escalate,” noting, “Much civilian infrastructure has been damaged, civilian casualties are on the rise, and the security situation is becoming more serious.”

Airports shut across Middle East as panic spreads

Air travel was thrown into chaos as airspace closures rippled across the region. Iran’s skies remain entirely shut, while Israel closed Ben Gurion Airport “until further notice.” Airports in Iraq and parts of Lebanon also shut down, leaving tens of thousands stranded. “The domino effect here is massive,” aviation safety expert John Cox told AP. Flights were grounded, crews misplaced, and airlines faced mounting losses as the region braced for further escalation.

Trump still seeks nuclear deal amid escalating violence

Despite the military escalation, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News that President Trump was still open to a nuclear deal with Iran. “We are postured defensively in the region to be strong in pursuit of a peace deal,” Hegseth said, confirming he was en route to the Situation Room to brief the president. Trump echoed the sentiment at the G7, suggesting Iran was “at the negotiating table” and that “a deal will be signed.” Yet his statements were coupled with warnings and calls for evacuation, reflecting a dual-track strategy.

Iran retaliates with over 100 missiles and drone strikes

Iran’s counter-offensive has grown fiercer. The Islamic Republic fired over 100 ballistic missiles overnight, bringing the total launched since Friday to more than 370. Iranian officials also confirmed three drone strikes on the South Pars gas complex, the country’s main production hub. The attacks, they said, were in direct retaliation for Israeli airstrikes that have so far killed at least 224 people in Iran. Officials vowed further responses to what they termed “aggression against the homeland.”