The United States has officially disavowed any involvement in Israel’s latest military strikes against Iranian nuclear and military installations, while issuing a stern warning to Tehran against targeting American interests in the region.
In a late-night statement on Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified Washington’s position following the surprise Israeli offensive.
“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,” Rubio announced. “Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense.”
Rubio emphasized that President Donald Trump’s administration has activated defensive measures to safeguard American personnel and assets across the Middle East, adding, “Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”
The statement followed a major Israeli military operation in the early hours of Friday, targeting multiple Iranian nuclear facilities, long-range missile sites, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) command centers. Explosions rocked several parts of Tehran, with Iranian state media confirming damage to critical infrastructure and residential areas.
Tensions Soar as Israel and Iran Trade Threats
In response to the strikes, Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency, closed its airspace, and rerouted incoming flights to alternative destinations. Flights out of Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport were similarly grounded as Iranian air defenses mobilized across the country.
Israeli military officials described the operation as preemptive, intended to cripple Iran’s advancing missile and nuclear programs. Sources within Iran, however, vowed retaliation, with intelligence reports suggesting Tehran may be preparing a ballistic missile assault on Israeli cities.
Fears of Regional Conflict Escalate
The developments have sent shockwaves through the region, with analysts warning of the growing likelihood of a wider Middle East war. Both U.S. and allied forces in the Persian Gulf and Eastern Mediterranean have been placed on heightened alert.
As global leaders call for restraint, diplomatic channels remain active, though the immediate prospects for de-escalation appear slim.
