‘We are not involved’: US distances itself from Israeli strikes on Tehran; warns Iran against retaliation

The United States has made it clear that it is not involved in Israel’s latest strikes on Iran and has warned Tehran against targeting American forces in response. The statement came from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio late Thursday, just hours after Israel carried out airstrikes on Iran. "We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region," Rubio said. He added, "Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel."

Israel's attack caused multiple explosions across Tehran early Friday, raising fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East. Following the strikes, Rubio confirmed that Israel had informed Washington in advance, calling the action necessary for its self-defence.

According to Rubio, Israel claimed the strikes were necessary to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear ambitions. The airstrikes came shortly after US president Donald Trump advised both countries against such action, saying it could damage the chances of reaching a peaceful agreement. Talks between Washington and Tehran on Iran’s nuclear programme were scheduled to enter a sixth round this Sunday in Oman.