Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Israeli media: Netanyahu summons Ben-Gvir and Smotrich for immediate meeting
Sheikh Qassem: Trump presented the plan at this time to absolve "Israel" from its crimes before international public opinion
Sheikh Qassem: Trump's plan is, in fact, consistent with the five principles set by Israel to end the war, making it an Israeli plan in American guise
Sheikh Qassem: The American plan has undergone modifications to suit "Israel's" interests
Sheikh Qassem: The US plan is fraught with dangers
Sheikh Qassem: When we confront "Israel\', we must confront it each from their position
Sheikh Qassem: The unfolding events in the region cannot be separated from this American-backed Israeli project
Sheikh Qassem: What we see in Gaza today is part of the "Greater Israel" project
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem: We must place a big sign in front of us, which clearly says that "Israel" is working toward a "Greater Israel" project
PIJ: We responsibly partook in talks that led to this decision.

US denies role in attacks on Iran, yet vows to defend 'Israel'

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 13 Jun 2025 08:42
  • 2 Shares
4 Min Read

The Trump administration distances itself from Israeli strikes on Iran to protect US interests as nuclear talks with Tehran remain scheduled.

Listen
  • x
  • President Donald Trump attends the UFC 316 mixed martial arts event Saturday, June 7, 2025, in Newark, New Jersey (AP)
    US President Donald Trump attends the UFC 316 mixed martial arts event Saturday, June 7, 2025, in Newark, New Jersey. (AP)

The Trump administration has sought to distance the United States from the Israeli occupation's latest aggression on Iran, warning Tehran not to retaliate against US interests as preparations continue for a sixth round of nuclear negotiations.

The Israeli entity claimed responsibility for striking alleged Iranian nuclear sites, stating the attacks aimed to halt Tehran’s supposed progress toward developing atomic weapons, although the attacks hit residential areas, targeting people in their sleep. The strikes come just days before the US and Iran are scheduled to resume nuclear talks, raising fears of broader regional escalation.

Despite the Israeli occupation’s decision to carry out unilateral strikes, US officials reiterated that Washington was not involved in the operation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that while the US had been informed in advance, the attacks were carried out independently by “Israel".

"We are not involved in strikes against Iran, and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region," Rubio said in an official statement. "Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense, Rubio added, although it was "Israel" that always initiated attacks against the Islamic Republic. 

Hours before the Israeli airstrikes on Iran, US President Donald Trump had claimed hope for a diplomatic resolution. “A strike on Iran could very well happen,” he acknowledged, while reaffirming that Washington prefers negotiations to confrontation.

Yet, speaking to Fox News, Trump said he was aware "Israel" was going to conduct strikes on Iran before they happened and stressed that Tehran "cannot have a nuclear bomb," which Iran never sought.

Rubio warns Tehran, signals no support for Israeli retaliation

Rubio delivered a clear warning to Iran not to target American interests in response to the Israeli occupation's attack. His remarks came shortly after the United States ordered non-essential personnel to evacuate from several locations across the Middle East due to heightened security concerns.

Related News

Russia slams US, Israeli strikes on Iran, warns of major war

Trump, US intelligence split on Iran, Gabbard sidelined

"Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel," Rubio said, without addressing whether Washington would defend "Israel" in the event of Iranian retaliation, departing from traditional US messaging that often emphasizes unwavering support for the Israeli regime. This support came directly from the US president himself.

“We will defend ourselves and defend Israel,” Trump said, as US Central Command (CENTCOM) is reportedly on high alert, with Trump confirming that American forces in the region are prepared to respond to any Iranian retaliatory attacks.

Friday's developments come at a sensitive moment. Yesterday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in nearly two decades. Nevertheless, both Washington and Tehran confirmed that nuclear talks will proceed as planned in Oman on Sunday.

US special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to an American official who stated late Thursday, “We still intend to have talks Sunday.”

Trump–Netanyahu rift grows over Iran, Gaza

Recent US-Israeli tensions have been building over differing approaches to both Iran and Gaza. Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war on Gaza and his aggressive posture toward Tehran, reportedly urging Netanyahu to allow more food aid into the besieged Strip.

The two leaders spoke on Monday, with Trump later stating that Iran was their main topic of discussion. On Thursday, he hinted that an Israeli military move might be imminent on Iran, urging Iran to adopt a more flexible negotiating stance.

“Well, I’d love to avoid conflict. Iran’s going to have to negotiate a little tougher, meaning they’re going to have to give us some things that they’re not willing to give us right now," Trump said.

US lawmaker swims against the current

Concerns are also mounting in Congress. Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, condemned the Israeli occupation’s strikes on Iran, accusing it of provoking further instability.

“Israel’s alarming decision to launch airstrikes on Iran is a reckless escalation that risks igniting regional violence,” Reed said in a statement.

As the Trump administration pushes ahead with its Iran diplomacy, the challenge now lies in containing the fallout of the Israeli regime’s military actions, without derailing talks that could reshape the nuclear landscape of the region.

  • Israeli Strike on Iran
  • US
  • 'Israel'
  • Iran Strike
  • Donald Trump
  • Iran

Most Read

Last photo showing Martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Martyr Hajj Hassan in a Resistance operations room, Beirut's southern suburb, Lebanon, days before their martyrdom (Al Mayadeen)

In heart of battle: Al Mayadeen shares last photo of Sayyed Nasrallah

  • Politics
  • 27 Sep 2025
Hamas fighters stand in formation ahead of a ceremony to hand over Israeli captives to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, Gaza Strip, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP)

Hamas reviews Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan as PIJ rejects

  • Palestine
  • 30 Sep 2025
Iraq at a crossroads: A new war front?

Iraq at a crossroads: A new war front?

  • West Asia
  • 30 Sep 2025
Trump’s 21-point Gaza plan vs Netanyahu’s demand for Hamas defeat

Trump vows 'something special' in ME; Israeli delegation in chaos

  • US & Canada
  • 28 Sep 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
Saudi-Pakistan defense pact reshapes Gulf balance rattles India.
Politics

Saudi-Pakistan defense pact reshapes Gulf balance rattles India

Taliban foreign minister granted UN waiver for landmark India visit
Politics

Taliban foreign minister granted UN waiver for landmark India visit

An Iranian police officer stands guard during the funeral ceremony of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard, at Azadi (Freedom) St. in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP)
Politics

Iran executes six 'Israel'-linked terrorists behind deadly attacks

World leaders hail Hamas’ response to Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan
Politics

World leaders hail Hamas’ response to Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS