The United States has distanced itself from Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets, stressing that it had no role in the operation and warning Tehran not to retaliate against American interests in the region.
“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran, and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,” said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in an official statement. “Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense.”
Rubio added that President Donald Trump and his administration have “taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners.” He issued a stern warning to Tehran, saying, “Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”
Statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio
“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its… pic.twitter.com/5FFesh3dkF
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 13, 2025
The statement came just hours after Israeli forces launched a wide-scale military operation targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and long-range ballistic missile capabilities. According to Israeli military sources, the strikes were preemptive, aimed at disrupting Iran’s ability to develop and deploy weapons that could pose a threat to Israel.
Israel reportedly struck dozens of sites across Iran, including military bases and a neighborhood in Tehran that housed senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Multiple explosions were heard in and around the Iranian capital, with state media confirming fires and damage in several districts.
In response to the attacks, Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency, shut down its airspace, and rerouted all incoming flights to other countries. Flights from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport were also suspended, with Iranian state television reporting widespread air defense activity.
As both nations brace for potential escalation, intelligence reports suggest that Iran is developing plans for a retaliatory strike, potentially involving ballistic missiles aimed at Israeli territory. The region remains on high alert, with fears of a broader military confrontation growing by the hour.
