Rubio says US launched war on Iran after learning of planned Israeli attack
The US launched its offensive against Iran because it knew Israel was going to attack and “that would precipitate an attack against American forces”, secretary of state Marco Rubio said on Monday.
“We knew that there was going to be an Israeli action,” Rubio said on Capitol Hill after briefing members of Congress on the offensive. “We knew that would precipitate an attack against American forces, and we knew that if we didn’t preemptively go after them before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties.”
Rubio’s comments — the latest from an administration official seeking to clarify the US’s decision to go to war — came three days into its operation with Israel against the Islamic republic.
President Donald Trump has cited other rationales for the new conflict, from the need to destroy Tehran’s nuclear weapons programme to fulfilling his vow to help Iranian protesters.
“Israel was determined to act in their own defence here, with or without American support,” Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said on Monday.
“Because Israel was determined to act, with or without the US, our commander-in-chief, and the administration . . . had a very difficult decision to make,” Johnson said.
US embassy in Riyadh hit by drones, Saudi government says
The US embassy in Riyadh was attacked by two drones, according to an initial estimate by the Saudi Arabian defence ministry.
The attack caused “a limited fire and minor material damage to the building”, the department wrote on X early on Tuesday.
Videos posted to social media showed plumes of smoke rising from the compound.
The US embassy had earlier issued a shelter-in-place order for American citizens in Saudi Arabia.
UAE fields ‘barrage’ of Iranian missiles
The United Arab Emirates’ defence ministry said it was “dealing with a barrage of ballistic missiles coming from Iran”.
“The UAE’s air defenses are currently dealing with a barrage of ballistic missiles coming from Iran,” it posted on X early on Tuesday morning.
“The Ministry of Defense confirms full readiness to address all threats to ensure the protection of the state’s territories and the safety of citizens and residents.”