US Distances Itself from Israeli Strikes on Iran Amid Nuclear Talks

The Trump administration sought to distance the United States from Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, a move that threatens to complicate ongoing efforts to negotiate a nuclear deal with Tehran.

Israel confirmed it had targeted Iranian nuclear facilities to prevent Tehran from advancing atomic weapons development. These attacks come just days before the Trump administration is set to hold a sixth round of talks on Sunday concerning Iran’s escalating uranium enrichment program.

Marco Rubio, serving as Trump’s Secretary of State and National Security Adviser, emphasized that the strikes were unilateral actions by Israel, while acknowledging that the US was aware the attacks would take place. Rubio stated, “We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.” He added, “Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense.”

Hours before the Israeli attacks, President Trump had called for a diplomatic resolution to the rising tensions, though he also cautioned that a strike on Iran “could very well happen.”

Iran maintains that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes. However, the International Atomic Energy Agency declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations on Thursday for the first time in nearly two decades.

Rubio issued a stern warning to Tehran following the US decision to withdraw some personnel from the Middle East amid escalating tensions: “Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel.”

Notably, Rubio’s statement did not clarify whether the US would support Israel if it faced retaliatory attacks—a commitment that had been standard in the past.

Meanwhile, President Trump has increasingly diverged from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approach, both on Iran and the handling of Israel’s conflict in Gaza. Trump aims to finalize a deal with Tehran and push for accelerated food aid deliveries to Gaza.

Read More: Saudi Arabia Responds Strongly to Israel’s Deadly Airstrikes on Iran