WASHINGTON
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied Thursday that Washington had any involvement in Israel's "unilateral" strikes on Iran and called on Tehran not to target American interests in the region amid speculation that the Islamic Republic would soon retaliate.
"Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. 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," Rubio said in a statement.
"President (Donald) 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," Rubio added.
Overnight Thursday, Israel carried out strikes against Iran targeting its nuclear program and long-range ballistic missile capabilities, according to Israeli Army Radio. Defense Minister Israel Katz said the attack was "preemptive."
Israeli forces targeted dozens of military installations across Iran, including a Tehran neighborhood housing senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard commanders, according to military radio reports.
Israel declared a state of emergency nationwide and closed its airspace, diverting all flights to other countries, Hebrew-language media reported.
Multiple explosions were heard in and around Tehran, Iranian media confirmed. Iranian state television reported additional loud explosions across different parts of the capital. Iran suspended all flights at Imam Khomeini Airport in Tehran, Iranian state media reported.
Both countries have been preparing for potential military confrontation, with Iran reportedly developing counterstrike plans involving ballistic missiles targeting Israeli territory.