In an unexpected development, President Donald Trump has firmly advised Iranian civilians to evacuate Tehran. Yes, you read that correctly. The message wasn’t sent with the subtlety and grace of a hallmark greeting card; instead, it was direct enough to make even the vaguest metropolitans in Tehran do a double-take. Trump made it clear that if they didn’t pack up and leave, they might find themselves in the crossfire of an incoming military operation intended to cripple Iran’s aggressive nuclear ambitions. It seems America’s penchant for bold moves is once again taking center stage.

The suggestion to evacuate, while surprising, reflects a real concern for innocent lives, something not often given priority in the tumultuous politics surrounding Iran. Let’s not forget that this is a country that has maintained an uninspiring monopoly over regional tension since the Iranian Revolution kicked off in 1979. They’ve exported a brand of governance that’s as popular among their own people as a soggy sandwich, leading to decades of unrest and international distrust.

Now the ball is in Iran’s court—and it’s teetering dangerously. The United States, standing shoulder to shoulder with Israel, aims to put an end to Iran’s nuclear program once and for all. That’s right, they’re not just drafting up a plan; they’re rolling up their sleeves and looking intently at Iran’s underground facilities. Both nations are focused on ensuring Iran’s nuclear capabilities are put to rest like a villain in a late-night movie. They’re also keeping their options open. After all, who doesn’t like a little surprise in their strategy mix, especially when the stakes are this high?

When discussing potential tactics, it’s worth mentioning that any strikes must be precise enough to avoid fallout akin to a pyrotechnics display gone terribly wrong. No pressure there. Among the more dramatic options includes the usage of bunker-busting bombs to deal with facilities buried three miles underground. Yes, three miles! Let’s just say, if nothing else, Tehran’s facility planners deserve an A+ in hiding things where no one would think to look.

All this planning leaves the United States and Israel poised to engage with a flair only seen in the boldest blockbuster movies. Elsewhere, the dialogue is less focused on theatrics and more on the grim potential for casualties if civilians don’t heed Trump’s exodus advice. Meanwhile, Iran continues to play the geopolitical provocateur, assuming their continued antics won’t lead to a monumental and potentially apocalyptic facepalm. To say the world is watching would be an understatement, as nations all hold their breath in anticipation of what happens next.