The United States has distanced itself from Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, emphasizing it played no role in the operation and issuing a sharp warning to Iran not to retaliate against American personnel or interests.

“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in these strikes,” said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in an official statement. “Our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.”

Rubio noted that Israel had informed Washington it believed the strikes were necessary for its national security and confirmed that President Donald Trump’s administration had “taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with regional partners.”

“Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel,” Rubio said.

The statement came just hours after Israeli forces launched a wide-ranging military operation across Iran, reportedly targeting nuclear infrastructure and long-range ballistic missile facilities. Israeli military sources described the strikes as preemptive, aimed at disrupting Iran’s ability to threaten Israel with advanced weaponry.

Dozens of sites were reportedly hit, including military installations and a neighborhood in Tehran believed to house senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Multiple explosions were reported in and around the Iranian capital, with state media confirming fires and infrastructure damage across several districts.

In the wake of the strikes, Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency, closed its airspace, and diverted all incoming flights. Iranian authorities suspended flights from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport and activated nationwide air defenses.

As tensions escalate, intelligence sources indicate Iran is preparing potential retaliatory strikes possibly involving ballistic missiles aimed at Israeli targets. Regional military forces remain on high alert amid growing fears of a broader conflict.