The Trump administration made efforts to distance the United States from Israeli strikes on Iran, which are likely to complicate the president’s negotiations for a nuclear agreement with Tehran.
Israel announced that it had targeted Iranian nuclear sites to prevent Tehran from advancing its nuclear weapons program, while the Trump administration was gearing up for a sixth round of talks on Iran’s uranium enrichment program set for Sunday.
Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State and National Security Advisor during the Trump administration, confirmed that the Israeli strikes were unilateral, noting that Washington was aware that these actions would take place.
Rubio stated, “We did not participate in strikes against Iran, and our top priority is the protection of American forces in the region.”
Moreover, he added, “Israel informed us that they believed this action was essential for their self-defense.”
Hours before the strikes commenced, President Trump urged for a diplomatic resolution to the tensions, indicating that a strike against Iran was a very real possibility.
Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes; however, the International Atomic Energy Agency reported on Thursday that Iran has breached its nuclear non-proliferation commitments for the first time in nearly two decades.
Rubio issued a stern warning to Iran following the United States’ instruction for certain American personnel to evacuate the Middle East due to escalating regional tensions.
He remarked, “Let me be clear: Iran should not target American interests or personnel.”
It was not stated whether Washington would back Israel in the event of retaliatory strikes, a customary position in the past.
Tensions have escalated between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding approaches to Iran and the handling of the Gaza conflict, as Trump seeks to secure a deal with Tehran and expedite food aid to Gaza.
On Monday, Trump and Netanyahu spoke, with Trump telling reporters that the main topic was Iran. He indicated the likelihood of an Israeli strike in comments to the press on Thursday.
He said, “Well, I would like to avoid conflict. Iran will need to negotiate much more seriously, which means they will have to concede some things that they are currently unwilling to give us.”
Iran’s response to Israeli actions may place American forces and diplomats in the region at heightened risk, given that the US is a primary supporter of Israel.
Concerns over security have surged since Trump stated on Wednesday that American personnel would be evacuated from the area because it “could be a dangerous place,” emphasizing that Tehran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
On Thursday, both Washington and Tehran announced plans for another round of talks on Sunday in Oman between US Special Envoy Steve Wittekov and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
However, it remains uncertain whether the meeting will take place, and a spokesperson for Wittekov did not respond to inquiries regarding this matter.