US not involved in strikes on Iran: Marco Rubio
He, however, reiterated his hopes for a peaceful end to the tensions
The United States was not involved in the Israeli strikes on Iran, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said, noting that Israel had "advised" the US that it believed the "action was necessary for its self-defense."
Earlier yesterday (12 June), US President Donald Trump said an Israeli strike on Iran "could very well happen," and a senior Israeli official told the Wall Street Journal it could occur as soon as Sunday unless Iran agrees to halt production of material for an atomic bomb.
He, however, reiterated his hopes for a peaceful end to the tensions.
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"We remain committed to a Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
"My entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran. They could be a Great Country, but they first must completely give up hopes of obtaining a Nuclear Weapon," he added.
Meanwhile, in Rubio's statement, he 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. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense. President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners.
"Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel."
Reporting on the strikes, Axios cited sources who said Trump's administration had told the Israeli government the US will not be directly involved in any Israeli military strike against Iran's nuclear facilities.
Meanwhile, Israel's UN ambassador, Danny Danon, has said his country is holding ongoing dialogue with Washington, but its decision to strike Iran was an independent Israeli move.
Danon said he doesn't want to "go into speculation" when asked during an interview with CNN whether Israel expected the US to assist it in case of an Iranian response.
Friday's strikes came shortly after Tehran said that it would ramp up its nuclear activities due to the International Atomic Energy Agency passing a resolution saying that the country was not in compliance with its non-proliferation commitments, senior US officials told CNN.
Israel's National Security Cabinet had met throughout the night leading up to the attack in Iran, according to an Israeli official.
Earlier, President Donald Trump had warned of the possibility of "massive conflict" in the Middle East that could take place "soon."
Trump convened a Cabinet-level meeting Thursday evening, which was expected to focus on the US response to the developing events in Iran, a White House official and two sources familiar with the plans told CNN.
Friday's strikes came shortly after Tehran said that it would ramp up its nuclear activities due to the International Atomic Energy Agency passing a resolution saying that the country was not in compliance with its non-proliferation commitments, senior US officials told CNN.
Israel's National Security Cabinet had met throughout the night leading up to the attack in Iran, according to an Israeli official.
