Israel's 'Operation Rising Lion': Donald Trump denies US role; Iran claims 'solid proof' of American support
Donald Trump and Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi (File photo)
Iran on Sunday claimed it has evidence showing that US forces supported the recent airstrikes carried out by Israel against the Islamic Republic.
"We have solid proof of the support of the American forces and American bases in the region for the attacks of the Zionist regime military forces," Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi told foreign diplomats in a meeting broadcast on state TV.
The strikes began on Friday as part of Israel's Operation Rising Lion, with Iran's nuclear site in Natanz being a primary target.
US President Donald Trump had reacted earlier in the day to the escalation, firmly denying any American involvement in the Israeli operations. In a warning tone, he expressed that the US was not part of the attacks.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump directly addressed the Khamenei-led Iran: "The US had nothing to do with the attack on Iran, tonight. If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the US Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before. However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict!!!"
— TrumpTruthOnX (@TrumpTruthOnX)
Iran had earlier expressed concern about foreign powers backing Israel.
An Iranian official gave a strong warning in an interview with CNN, saying: "Iran reserves the right – under international law – to respond decisively to this regime."
The official added, "Any country that attempts to defend the Israeli regime against Iran's operations will, in turn, see its regional bases and positions become new targets."
However, on the same day as Israel's initial attack, US secretary of state Marco Rubio made it clear that US has no role to play in Israeli attacks on Iran.
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