Trump Orders New US Strikes on Iran, Advises Americans to Prepare for Possible Evacuation

President Donald Trump ordered a fresh series of U.S. air strikes against Iran, aiming to compel the Iranian government to surrender, according to U.S. officials cited by the Wall Street Journal. The operation, expected to focus on Iran's energy facilities, could begin as early as this weekend and last several days.

Trump told reporters that the United States would "hit them very hard" and suggested that Iran would eventually be forced to concede. When asked whether Americans should expect continued exchanges of strikes, he replied that they should be "a little bit" prepared.

U.S. embassies in Jerusalem and other regional capitals issued travel advisories, urging American citizens to avoid the Middle East and to be ready to depart if necessary because of the "potential for unforeseen escalation." The messages warned that the Iranian regime had recently expanded attacks to new areas, including Egypt.

Reports on Israel's involvement remain mixed. CNN said there was no indication that Israel would join the offensive, while other outlets cited sources claiming that U.S. and Israeli officials had discussed targeting Iranian energy sites. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Trump at the White House, describing the talks as coordination on security matters, though details were not disclosed.

Iran's military condemned the planned U.S. action, with Ali Abdollahi, head of Iran's central command, stating that any country supporting the United States would be "engulfed by the flames of war." Iran also warned that the conflict could spread if the United States proceeds with further attacks.

In Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich of U.S. European Command warned the Pentagon that without additional naval assets, the command might have to prioritize U.S. homeland defense over protecting Israel. The command currently operates two destroyers in the Mediterranean, a region also facing threats from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.

Separately, Kuwait's defense ministry reported intercepting Iranian drones aimed at government and civilian sites, causing minor material damage but no injuries. The ministry said it acted to safeguard the country's sovereignty.