In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Israel launched a pre-dawn strike on Tehran early Friday, targeting what it described as nuclear and military facilities – prompting urgent warnings from President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to deter retaliation.
According to a report from the Associated Press, Israel’s attack follows a vote by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors on Thursday, which issued its first formal censure of Iran in two decades for failing to cooperate with international nuclear inspectors. In a defiant response, Tehran announced the establishment of a third uranium enrichment site and upgrades to its centrifuge systems, raising new alarms over the country’s nuclear ambitions.
Israel has repeatedly warned that it would not allow Tehran to develop nuclear weapons. Although Iranian leaders claim they do not seek to build such arms, officials have openly stated they possess the technical capability to do so.
The Trump administration quickly moved to clarify its position and assert its own national security priorities in the wake of the attack. Rubio issued a strongly worded statement on X late Thursday night.
“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran,” Rubio stated. “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,” the statement continued. “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 U.S. interests or personnel.”
In a separate post on Truth Social, Trump reiterated his administration’s preference for diplomacy, while insisting Iran must abandon any pursuit of nuclear arms:
“We remain committed to a Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue! 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.”
The Pentagon has already begun relocating some personnel and facilitating voluntary evacuations for military families in the wider Middle East. American diplomats in Baghdad were previously withdrawn amid rising concerns of Iranian reprisals against US interests following the IAEA vote.