President Trump and Secretary Rubio return to DC as evacuation videos emerge from Tehran and Middle East tensions escalate.

Trump and Rubio Cut G7 Short as Iran Crisis Unfolds

President Donald Trump made the unexpected decision to cut his G7 summit trip short on Monday, just hours after issuing a stark warning to Iranians via his Truth Social platform. “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” Trump posted, prompting immediate reactions across international media and social platforms.

Alongside Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio—also attending the G7 conference in Alberta, Canada—will return early to Washington, according to White House officials. The decision was confirmed during a ceremonial photo-op with other world leaders, where Trump remarked, “You probably see what I see. And I have to be back as soon as I can.”

The White House clarified that the president’s early departure was “because of what’s going on in the Middle East.” Trump also directed the National Security Council to be prepared for his return to the White House, signaling the administration’s heightened state of readiness.

Evacuations and U.S. Defensive Posture

Following the president’s message to Iranians, social media was flooded with videos that appeared to show residents evacuating Tehran. While these images circulated rapidly online, U.S. officials emphasized that America has not launched strikes against Iran and remains in a defensive posture amid the heightened tensions.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reinforced this message before heading into the situation room Monday night. “What you're watching in real time is peace through strength and America first. Our job is to be strong. We are postured defensively in the region to be strong in pursuit of a peace deal,” Hegseth stated. He underscored that his priority is the safety of U.S. personnel and that American strength is meant to create the conditions necessary for a diplomatic agreement. “President Trump’s made it clear it’s on the table. The question is whether Iran will take it.”

Officials with knowledge of the ongoing situation reiterated that the U.S. seeks stability and is not initiating military action, despite the rapid developments and widespread speculation about possible escalation.

As world attention remains fixed on Washington and Tehran, the president’s early return and public messages have injected new urgency into diplomatic and security deliberations. Both U.S. and international officials will be watching closely in the coming days to see how Iran responds to the calls for evacuation and whether new opportunities for dialogue or conflict emerge.