“We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,” Rubio said.
On June 12, explosions were reported from Tehran, with Israel acknowledging that it launched what it described as a “pre-emptive strike” on the Persian state. Following the strike, which targeted nuclear sites after days of tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, Israel has declared a state of emergency nationwide.
According to Rubio, Israel has advised the United States that it believed the attack was necessary for its self-defense.
The secretary of state warned Iran against targeting U.S. interests or personnel in the region in retaliation for the attack.
“President [Donald] Trump and the administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners,” Rubio said. “Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”
Republicans have expressed broad support for Israel, while some Democrats are critical, viewing the move as escalatory or ill-advised.
Senate Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Jim Risch (R-Idaho) said in a post on X, “We stand with Israel tonight and pray for the safety of its people and the success of this unilateral, defensive action. I am also praying for the brave U.S. service members in the Middle East who keep America safe—Iran would be foolish to attack the United States.”
“Game on,” Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a longtime proponent of a hawkish stance toward the Persian state, wrote in a post on X. “Pray for Israel.”
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) echoed the sentiment in a post on X.
“Tonight, I ask every American to join me in praying for the safety of U.S. personnel in the Middle East and the safety and success of Israel as it takes action against a leading state sponsor of terrorism and our shared enemy, Iran,” Scott said.
“Proud to stand with Israel,” Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) said in another post on the platform.
Rep. Tony Gonzalez (R-Texas) wrote on X: “A nuclear Iran means terror for the free world. America prays for Israel.”
Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticized Israel’s strikes.
“Israel’s alarming decision to launch airstrikes on Iran is a reckless escalation that risks igniting regional violence,” Reed told reporters. “These strikes threaten not only the lives of innocent civilians but the stability of the entire Middle East.”
He said the strikes also threaten U.S. safety.
Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) called the attack “pure sabotage” of the ongoing U.S. nuclear negotiations with Iran.
“The administration … [was] about to start the next round of negotiations to reach a deal with Iran,” Castro said. “This attack by [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu is pure sabotage.”
“What does ‘America First’ even mean if Trump allows Netanyahu to drag the country into a war Americans don’t want?” Castro said.
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