Despite official denials, U.S. forces helped defend Israel after strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, raising fears of wider war and political deception.
At a Glance
- Israel executed a massive strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure in “Operation Rising Lion”
- Iran responded with over 100 missiles and drones targeting Israeli cities
- U.S. military assets helped defend Israel, contradicting administration claims of “non-involvement”
- The IDF claimed Iran was days from building a nuclear weapon, justifying the attack
- Global leaders, including the UN and NATO, urged immediate de-escalation
Washington’s Quiet Involvement Sparks Outrage
While the Biden administration maintains that the U.S. had no role in Israel’s high-stakes military operation, officials confirmed that American forces assisted in intercepting Iranian retaliatory strikes. That revelation sharply contradicts public statements from Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserting U.S. neutrality.
Watch a report: Biden administration downplays U.S. role in Israeli-Iranian conflict.
Critics argue that this double standard—denial in Washington, action in the field—evokes a familiar pattern of shadow warfare and evasion of congressional oversight. “If this is a war, the American people deserve transparency and constitutional process,” one analyst remarked.
Iran’s Nuclear Clock and Israel’s Pre-Emption
Israeli officials said they launched the strike after intelligence suggested Iran was just “days away” from achieving nuclear weapon capability. The Israeli Defense Forces targeted multiple nuclear facilities and senior leadership figures, marking one of the most aggressive Israeli actions in decades.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the attack a “declaration of war” and warned that Israel and its allies “must expect severe punishment”. The barrage of missiles that followed rattled Israeli cities, overwhelmed Iron Dome systems, and sent shockwaves through regional capitals.
Diplomatic Confusion, Strategic Consequences
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged “maximum restraint,” while the IAEA reiterated that nuclear sites “must never be attacked.” Yet Israel defended its actions as a last resort to prevent an existential threat. Meanwhile, U.S. evacuation orders for personnel in Iraq and regional embassies underscored the seriousness of potential escalation.
Watch a report: Experts warn of global fallout after Israeli strikes.
This latest confrontation has reopened fierce debate over the 2015 Iran nuclear deal—dismantled by Trump, championed by Obama, and only ambiguously addressed by Biden. Many argue that Iran used the deal’s loopholes to advance its program while evading full international scrutiny.
As U.S. forces quietly aid Israeli defenses and Iran vows revenge, the administration’s evasive posture is being called a strategic liability. Whether the President will seek formal authorization or continue relying on ambiguous military engagement remains an urgent question for both lawmakers and the public.
