On March 3, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio refuted claims that Israel’s intention to strike Iran influenced Washington’s decision to conduct its own military operations. His comments came during a press briefing at the Capitol, where he addressed members of both chambers of Congress.
A journalist reminded Rubio of his earlier statement connecting the U.S. strikes to Israel’s planned operation. On the same day, President Donald Trump suggested that his discussions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz may have affected Israel’s decision-making.
“No, that is a false statement. That is not what I said,” Rubio responded.
Rubio emphasized that the U.S. had decided to systematically dismantle Iran’s terrorist capabilities, asserting that the operation was inevitable, with only the timing and format of collaboration with Israel in question.
“As soon as the president realized that negotiations were ineffective and they were playing games with us, we made this decision,” Rubio stated.
On March 2, following a briefing for congressional leaders, Rubio had expressed a different viewpoint, indicating that the U.S. was aware of Israel’s planned operation against Iran, which he claimed prompted U.S. strikes to prevent greater losses.
Israel launched an attack on Tehran on February 28, marking a significant escalation in hostilities. Subsequently, President Trump announced that U.S. military forces had initiated a “major combat operation” against Iran, aimed at neutralizing imminent threats from the Iranian regime. He accused Iranian authorities of supporting and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine’s Hamas.
The operation’s objectives included dismantling Iran’s missile industry and naval capabilities to prevent global destabilization.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that it had launched missiles and drones toward Israel and targeted U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In response to the escalating conflict, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that it is fair to give Iranians a chance to rid themselves of the “terrorist regime” and ensure safety for all nations affected by attacks from Iran.
On February 28, Trump tweeted that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was dead, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
On March 1, the IRGC announced the commencement of “the most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. military bases. Trump warned the Iranian regime to abandon these plans, threatening a “very strong response” if they did not.
On March 2, Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the next phase of the U.S. military operation against Iran would be even more devastating.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied that Israel's military plans influenced U.S. strikes on Iran, asserting that the decision was independent and necessary. The conflict escalated following Israel's attack on Tehran, with the U.S. launching its own operations to counter perceived threats from Iran.