Rubio Says United States Not Involved, Warns Iran Against Attacking U.S. Personnel

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the United States was not involved in Israel’s Thursday evening strikes on Iran.

“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran,” Rubio said. “We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.”

Rubio added that “Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”

Rubio said that Israel advised the United States that the action was necessary and for 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.”

Statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio

“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… pic.twitter.com/5FFesh3dkF

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 13, 2025

Israel launched strikes on Iran late Thursday evening — though it is currently still unclear which targets Israel struck.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a “special situation” throughout Israel for the next 48 hours due to a “high probability” that a retaliatory attack would occur.

Earlier on Thursday, President Donald Trump said that an Israeli attack was something “that could very well happen,” but said he preferred a diplomatic approach to prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon.

Videos appeared online shortly after news broke of the strikes of what appear to be bombed sites in Iran:

Israel is currently striking Iran’s capital, Tehran.

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— AF Post (@AFpost) June 13, 2025