US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on Thursday that Israel acted alone in launching strikes against Iran, calling the move a “unilateral action” and stressing that the United States was not involved in the attack.
He also issued a strong warning to Tehran, urging it not to target American interests or personnel 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,” Rubio said in an official statement.
He further added, “Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel.” According to Rubio, Israel had informed the US that the strikes were “necessary for its self-defence.”
The strikes, which took place late Thursday US time (early Friday in the Middle East), reportedly triggered explosions in Tehran, according to Iranian state media. The development has added to already heightened tensions in the region, particularly since the escalation of Israel’s war in Gaza in October 2023.
The strikes come at a delicate moment in US-Iran relations. While President Donald Trump had earlier sought a renewed nuclear deal aimed at curbing Iran’s uranium enrichment programme, the negotiations appear to have stalled.
Rubio assured that the US government has taken the necessary steps to protect its forces and remains in close contact with its regional allies.
As the situation unfolds, Washington is aiming to prevent further escalation while reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding American personnel amid growing instability in the Middle East.
Melissa Enoch
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