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Israel Declares State of Emergency, Confirms Preemptive Strike on Iran; US Stresses Non-Involvement
Charlie Kirk Staff
06/12/2025
Tensions rose in the Middle East after Israel confirmed it had carried out a preemptive strike on Iran and entered a state of emergency in anticipation of retaliatory attacks.
Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Israel expects a rapid response from Iran, including missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli civilians and infrastructure. “Following the State of Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future,” Katz said in a statement.
Air raid sirens sounded across Tel Aviv shortly after Katz’s remarks, prompting preparations for potential incoming fire.
A U.S. official, speaking to ABC News, said the United States had no role in the Israeli operation and did not assist in carrying it out. Despite the rising tensions, U.S. officials confirmed that American forces remain focused on protection and deterrence in the region.
President Donald Trump earlier in the day said that a preemptive strike by Israel on Iran “could very well happen.” He reiterated the administration’s opposition to Iran developing nuclear weapons. “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. Other than that, I want them to be successful,” Trump told reporters. “We’ll trade with them, we’ll do whatever is necessary.”
Trump also said he hoped to avoid further conflict but suggested Iran would need to make greater concessions in negotiations. “Iran’s going to have to negotiate a little bit tougher — meaning they’re going to have to give us some things that they’re not willing to give us right now,” he said.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commented on the situation, noting, “What I know is that Bibi Netanyahu is going to put his country first, and we’re going to put our country first, and we’re positioned properly in the region … for any potential contingency.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also addressed the matter: “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. President 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.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded by reaffirming Iran’s commitment to uranium enrichment, while denying intentions to build a nuclear bomb. “We will go our own way, and we will have the enrichment,” Pezeshkian said. “It’s not like if, for example, someone bombs our place, that’s the end of it. All this is in mind. Whatever they do, we will rebuild.”
As the U.S. prepares for nuclear talks with Iran over the weekend, the Israeli Defense Forces released a statement claiming responsibility for a large-scale strike. “Dozens of IAF jets completed the first stage that included strikes on dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different areas of Iran,” the IDF said in a post to X. “Weapons of mass destruction in the hands of the Iranian regime are an existential threat to the State of Israel and to the wider world.”
The statement added, “The State of Israel has no choice but to fulfill the obligation to act in defense of its citizens and will continue to do so everywhere it is required to do so, as we have done in the past.”
