Welcome to our live coverage of events in the Middle East.
In a major escalation, Donald Trump has told 10 million people living in Iran’s capital Tehran to immediately evacuate as two US aircraft carriers make their way to the region.
It comes as Tel Aviv has been hit with missiles in the fourth straight day of conflict between Israel and Iran as the latter nation dropped missiles on heavily populated areas.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned on Monday that Iranian forces will “pummel” Israel until the attacks against the Islamic republic stop.
President Trump also made a major call by refusing to support a G7 statement on the conflict, splitting with the rest of the bloc of nations. He is also leaving the summit early and so won’t be meeting Anthony Albanese tomorrow.
The draft statement, which had been spearheaded by European officials at the summit, says Israel has a right to defend itself and that Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon.
Mr Trump’s call not to sign on to the statement set up an immediate divide with his counterparts as the summit was getting underway.
“Under the strong leadership of President Trump, the United States is back to leading the effort to restore peace around the world. President Trump will continue to work towards ensuring Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon,” a White House official said in response to a question about Mr Trump’s plans when it came to the joint statement.
