Washington was not involved in Israel’s attack on Iran late Thursday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed as he warned Tehran not to target American interests in the Middle East.
“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran,” Rubio said in a statement.
“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 self-defense.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the government was not involved in Israel’s latest airstrikes against Iran. REUTERSThe Israel Defense Forces launched air strikes in its latest bid to destroy Iran’s nuclear program as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the mission is just getting started.
Several sites were targeted across the Iranian capital early Friday local time, though the exact damage and number of casualties were not immediately clear.
“President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners,” Rubio also said in his Tuesday statement.
“Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel.”
A map showing the cities that Israel targeted during the first wave of Operation Rising Lion on Thursday.
Smoke rises up after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 13, 2025. APTension in the region has already been palpable since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, leading the Jewish state to launch a military campaign in Gaza.
Read the latest on the Israel-Iran conflict:
- UN ambassador touts phase 2 for Gaza peace plan: ‘Hamas has to go’
- Gaza cease-fire at critical point as Hamas fails to release body of last remaining hostage
- Hamas not committed to peace plan or disarming, Israeli foreign minister says
- Hamas commander, 3 cronies killed trying to escape Gaza tunnel with slain IDF soldier’s rifle
President Trump said earlier Thursday that Israeli strikes on Iran’s above-ground nuclear sites “could very well happen” soon.
First satellite images confirm significant damage at Iranâs Natanz Nuclear Facility after Israeli strikes during Operation Rising Lion. Airbus defense and space.
Satellite images confirm significant damage at Iran’s Natanz Nuclear Facility after Israeli strikes during Operation Rising Lion Airbus defense and space.
Satellite image showing damage at Iran’s Natanz Nuclear Facility. Airbus defense and space.“Look, it’s very simple, not complicated,” the president said. “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. Other than that, I want them to be successful. I want them to be tremendous. We’ll help them be successful. We’ll trade with them. We’ll do whatever is necessary.”
Trump has said he would prefer an agreement be reached with Iran regarding winding down its nuclear program rather than Israel launching an attack.
Netanyahu argued in an address following the attack that Israel’s mission was to “roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival.”
