Washington denied any involvement in the midnight attacks, which resulted in extensive civilian casualties.
Israeli warplanes bombed the Iranian capital, Tehran, in the early hours of 13 June, targeting residential areas as part of operation “Lion’s Courage,” which officials say targeted Iranian nuclear facilities and senior officials of Iran’s Armed Forces.
The strikes caused extensive damage and civilian casualties.
“We targeted Iran’s main uranium enrichment site in Natanz and Iranian nuclear and military officials in Tehran,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said following the attacks.
“This operation will continue as long as necessary, until we complete the mission,” Netanyahu added.
The government also activated Decree 8, calling up all reservists for military duty.
Officials in Tel Aviv ordered citizens into bomb shelters and declared a state of emergency, warning of an Iranian retaliatory attack.
In Washington, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that Israel took “unilateral action against Iran,” and stressed that the US was “not involved.”
“Our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for [their] self-defense,” Rubio says in a statement.
“Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel,” he added.
According to sources that spoke with Axios, earlier on Thursday, Washington informed its allies that Israeli attacks on Iran were “imminent” and “made clear it was not involved.”
Before the bombs dropped inside Tehran, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee revealed he was at the embassy in Jerusalem and “will remain here all night,” adding: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.”
Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump boasted on social media about his commitment to “Diplomatic Resolution” to nuclear and sanctions-relief talks with Iran.
