WASHINGTON: The White House insisted Monday evening that US forces remained in a “defensive” posture in the Middle East, despite a military buildup over the Israel-Iran war and a shock warning from President Donald Trump to evacuate Tehran. Trump’s brief warning on social media, without further details, raised speculation that the United States may be readying to join Israel in attacking Iran. Those suspicions rose further after it was announced that Trump would be leaving a G7 summit in Canada and returning to the White House a day early over the mounting Middle East conflict.

Abrupt change of plans comes after president on Truth Social warns residents of Tehran to evacuate immediately

US president will leave G7 summit in Canada early due to situation in the Middle East, White House says; French president says ‘an offer was made especially to get a ceasefire and…