Will the US Join Israel in Attacking Iran?

How did the US respond when Israel started attacking Iran?

Shortly after Israeli missiles exploded in Tehran, Iran, on Friday (13/6/2025) in the early hours, the United States rushed to assert that it was not involved in Israel's attack on Iran. Nevertheless, Israel stated that it coordinated with the US to carry out the operation code-named "Operation Lion's Awakening."

"This evening, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in the attack on Iran, and our priority is to protect U.S. forces in the region," said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday.

Rubio added that Israel informed the US of the planned attack and believed that the move was taken by Israel as a form of self-defense.

"President Trump and his administration have done everything necessary to protect our forces in the region and continue to communicate with regional partners. I emphasize, Iran should not attack American interests or citizens," he continued.

Israeli media, The Jerusalem Post, said Israel coordinated closely with the US to prepare for the attack. It also said that Tzahal, the Israeli military, received logistical support from the US.

Is there any US effort to prevent the Israel-Iran war from spreading?

United States President Donald Trump had indicated that he was attempting to control the direction of the Israel-Iran conflict. One of the ways was by rejecting Israel's plan to assassinate Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Reuters reported on Monday (16/5/2025), Israel claimed to have had the opportunity to kill Khamenei since the beginning of the attack. However, Trump rejected the attack.

"We conveyed to Israel that President Trump rejected that. Iran has not killed a single American citizen, and discussions among political leaders should not take place," said a U.S. official who requested to remain anonymous.

The official stated that Trump's rejection is part of efforts to prevent the escalation of war between Israel and Iran. Trump still hopes that a diplomatic solution is possible for the issue concerning Iran.

The Vice President of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft (QIPR), Trita Parsi, stated that Trump's rejection is reasonable. Khamenei serves as the strongest deterrent preventing Iran from developing a nuclear bomb.

"He (Khamenei) once issued a fatwa prohibiting (the creation of) nuclear weapons. If Khamenei dies, it means his fatwa is void," he said.

By rejecting the assassination of Khameni, Trump is seen as trying all alternatives to prevent Iran from making a nuclear bomb.

Is there any indication that the US will get further involved in this war?

On Monday (16/6/2025), U.S. President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to the residents of Tehran to evacuate the Iranian capital immediately. "Leave Tehran immediately," said Trump.

At the same time, Trump also ordered an increase in US forces to the Middle East. Flight tracking websites indicated that 31 US air tankers were heading to the Middle East on Monday. The majority of these aircraft were KC-135 and KC-46.

The tankers can refuel up to 240 fighter jets. Tankers enable fighter jets to operate multiple times their maximum range.

In addition to air tankers, the United States has also deployed the Naval Strike Group based on the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz to move from the South China Sea to the Middle East.

There is one Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and one Ticonderoga-class cruiser in the Nimitz Task Force. This task force also carries a total of nine squadrons of fighter jets, helicopters, and other aircraft.

The increase in strength demonstrates the support of the United States to Israel. Previously, the United States had sent 300 Hellfire missiles to Israel. Some of the missiles were used by Israel to attack Iran.

What weapons is the US preparing to fight Iran?

The United States has deployed a significant amount of weaponry in the Middle East. The Nimitz strike group, which has been moved from the South China Sea to the Middle East, will join the Carl Vinson strike group. Like the Nimitz, the Carl Vinson is also accompanied by Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and Ticonderoga-class cruisers.

The two guspurla can transport a total of 160 aircraft and helicopters of various types. The guspurla is also accompanied by one submarine and one logistics ship. The total crew reaches 7,500 individuals, including pilots, marines, and various naval personnel. The guspurla serves as a floating combat base.

The United States also has other warships around Iran. At the Bahrain base, five warships and one support vessel have been observed. In the Arabian Sea to the Indian Ocean, one aircraft carrier and ten other warships have been noted. At least one submarine, the USS Georgia, has also been observed.

In addition to the Arabian Sea, the United States has also deployed several warships off the western coast of Israel. These ships are on standby to assist Israel in repelling various missile and drone attacks. The United States is also operating several drones for both reconnaissance and strike purposes.

The United States has also positioned air assets in the Indian Ocean. Before Israel attacked Iran, the United States deployed dozens of bombers to the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean.

The B-2 and B-52 bombers at the base can drop the GBU-57, among other munitions. This bomb can penetrate bunkers up to 60 meters underground. This weapon is highly anticipated by Israel for use in attacking Iran.

What are the latest developments in the Israel-Iran war?

The situation escalated after Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran to surrender unconditionally. Trump stated that the United States has full and absolute control over Iranian airspace. The United States also knows exactly where the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, is located.

Trump stressed that he wanted certainty about a total halt to Iran's nuclear program, not negotiations merely for a ceasefire.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded to the ultimatum. "The Iranian nation is ready for war, and also ready for peace. This nation will not surrender to anyone," he stated in a speech broadcast on Wednesday (18/6/2025) afternoon.

Khamenei also reminded that Iran is being attacked by Israel amid peace negotiations offered by the United States. According to him, the involvement of the United States in Israel's attack on Iran demonstrates Israel's weakness and is not without consequences that must be paid dearly.

European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) researcher Ellie Geranmayeh stated that Trump's statement is equivalent to a declaration of war against Iran. The impact of a U.S. attack on Iran cannot be controlled.

Trump is now in a difficult position. Trump must choose between war or continuing diplomatic efforts.