‘We are not involved’: Rubio after Israel attacks Iran, says Tehran ‘should not target US interests

As Israel launched what it called ‘pre-emptive strikes’ on Iran , with its military claiming to have hit nuclear sites and eliminated a top military general and nuclear scientists, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to distance his country from its ally’s attack. Rubio issued a statement saying the US “was not involved” in Israeli strikes inside Iran.

“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,” Rubio said.

Rubio, however, appeared to defend Israeli action saying, “Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defence.”

Israeli action follows US President Donald Trump’s remarks on Thursday that the two arch-rivals should not get into a military conflict. Hours before the strikes in Iran, Trump cautioned any military action by Israel against Iran could jeopardise the ongoing nuclear talks.

“I think there is an agreement, I don’t want them going in because I think that would blow it. Might help it, actually. But also could blow it,” Trump said.

After the Israeli attack, the US secretary of state said, “President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners.”

Rubio warned Iran against targeting American assets or personnel deployed in the region. He said, “Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel.”

The tension between Israel and Iran had been building for quite some time with Trump and his administration having been involved in trying to reach a nuclear deal with Tehran. However, both sides put out “unacceptable” proposals for a nuclear agreement.