Washington: In the wake of Israel’s high-stakes military offensive against Iranian nuclear and military assets, the Trump administration moved swiftly to signal that the United States was not a participant in the strikes, even as tensions across the Middle East escalated and critical nuclear negotiations loomed.
Despite close military and strategic ties between the U.S. and Israel, Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio emphasized that Israel acted independently, though he acknowledged that Washington had prior knowledge of the assault.
“We were not involved in the strikes on Iran,” Rubio clarified in an official statement. “Our immediate priority remains the safety of American forces stationed in the region. Israel informed us they considered the operation essential for their national security.”
The Israeli offensive, which reportedly hit uranium enrichment facilities and targeted top Iranian military and scientific personnel, came just days before the U.S. was expected to resume nuclear talks with Tehran in Oman—a development that could now face fresh complications. The sixth round of dialogue was meant to address Iran’s expanding uranium stockpile, which has triggered new international alarms.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, while continuing to push for a diplomatic breakthrough with Iran, acknowledged the possibility of armed conflict. "Iran must come to the table with more than they’re currently offering," Trump told reporters. "I’d prefer to avoid confrontation, but we’re keeping all options on the table."
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful, but on Thursday the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) declared Iran in violation of its non-proliferation commitments for the first time in nearly two decades.
Rubio also delivered a stern caution to Tehran: “Let me be absolutely clear—any attempt to target U.S. interests or personnel will have serious consequences.” However, his remarks notably avoided any guarantee of support for Israel should it face counterstrikes, signaling a shift from traditional U.S. postures of automatic solidarity.
Tensions between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have become increasingly visible in recent months. Trump has reportedly grown critical of Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza conflict and his uncompromising stance on Iran, believing it complicates efforts to revive a nuclear accord.
Earlier this week, the two leaders spoke by phone, with Iran topping the agenda, according to White House insiders. Just hours before Israel launched its strikes, Trump had hinted that military action from Israel could be imminent.
The fallout of Israel’s operation could endanger American assets across the region, given the U.S.’s close alignment with Tel Aviv. Concerns are heightened further after Trump announced on Wednesday that some U.S. diplomatic and military staff would be temporarily relocated due to the deteriorating security environment.
Despite the strikes and mounting instability, a senior U.S. official confirmed late Thursday that plans for Sunday’s Oman talks remained intact. “We are still committed to engaging in discussions,” the official stated.
Still, Trump struck a cautious tone, telling Fox News, “Iran cannot be allowed to build a nuclear bomb. We are hopeful for negotiations, but whether we return to the table depends on how Iran responds.”