U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday emphasized that the United States had no role in Israel’s recent military strikes on Iran, describing them as unilateral actions by Israel. In a statement issued following the operation—dubbed “Operation Rising Lion”—Rubio said, “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.”
He added, “Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense,” stressing that Washington’s engagement was limited to safeguarding U.S. personnel, not facilitating the strikes. Rubio issued a stern warning to Tehran, cautioning that “Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”
The Israeli bombardment, which struck more than 100 sites across Iran—including nuclear facilities and high-ranking military and Revolutionary Guard targets—triggered accusations from Iranian officials. Iran claimed an attack on Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment plant had taken place and confirmed fatalities among senior commanders. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard vowed retaliatory action.
The timing complicated ongoing diplomatic efforts. The U.S. had been conducting a sixth round of nuclear negotiations with Iran in Oman aimed at curbing Tehran’s uranium enrichment. Rubio’s remarks were part of a broader Trump administration effort to maintain regional stability while distancing itself from direct involvement.
According to Reuters, Rubio confirmed that while the United States was informed of Israel’s plan, it played no operational role: “We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces.”
President Trump, who had urged for restraint to allow diplomatic talks to continue, also face mixed reactions domestically. Rubio’s firm language mirrored the administration’s stance to avoid being drawn into another Middle Eastern conflict even as stocks and oil prices surged in response to the strikes.
Analysts note the importance of maintaining clarity on U.S. involvement, signaling to Iran that American targets remain off-limits while simultaneously responding to congressional pressure and international scrutiny. Rubio’s message draws a firm red line: Iranian retaliation against U.S. interests “will not be tolerated,” he said.
