WASHINGTON/TEHRAN (TheCOWNews Digital)The United States has officially distanced itself from Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iranian territory, clarifying that Washington played no role in the operation. The statement came just hours after Israel launched a wave of preemptive air attacks on Iran early Friday morning, targeting what it claimed were nuclear and military facilities.
In a press briefing, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated unequivocally, “The United States was not involved in the Israeli operation against Iran. This was a unilateral action taken by the State of Israel.” He added that the U.S. administration’s priority remains the safety of American forces and interests in the region.
Rubio further emphasized, “While we were informed that Israel viewed the operation as essential for its national defense, we were neither participants nor supporters of the decision. Any suggestion otherwise is incorrect.”
The Israeli airstrikes, described by Tel Aviv as a preemptive military response, have already triggered widespread alarm across the Middle East. According to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, the mission focused on dismantling elements of Iran’s nuclear program and weakening its military command structure. Dozens of strategic targets across multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, were reportedly hit.
Following the attacks, Israel placed the entire country under a state of emergency, anticipating a possible retaliatory strike from Iran. Sirens wailed through Jerusalem in the early hours of Friday morning, and citizens received emergency alerts instructing them to seek shelter immediately.
In the wake of the strikes, Iranian leaders have issued strong condemnations, vowing revenge. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused Israel of committing “a grave crime” and promised a “painful” response.
The Biden administration, now under former President Donald Trump’s leadership after the 2024 election, is closely monitoring the situation. President Trump, according to U.S. media reports, has called an emergency cabinet meeting to assess developments and coordinate a diplomatic response.
While denying any operational role in the Israeli attack, Secretary Rubio warned Iran not to escalate the situation by targeting American personnel or assets in the region. “Iran must not mistake our position. Any attack on American troops or interests will be met with decisive action,” he said.
The announcement is an attempt to calm diplomatic tensions and dissuade Iran from retaliating against U.S. military bases or personnel stationed across the Middle East, particularly in Iraq, Syria, and the Gulf states.
Global leaders have called for restraint from both sides. The United Nations and European Union issued urgent appeals for de-escalation, warning that a broader war could destabilize the entire region.
With the situation still evolving, analysts warn that even if Washington did not participate in the Israeli strikes, its close alliance with Israel could make American forces indirect targets in the coming days.
As the dust settles on one of the most dramatic developments in recent Middle East history, the world waits to see how Iran will respond and whether the region is on the brink of a much larger conflict.
