US denies involvement in Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, warns Iran against 'targeting American interests or personnel'

Israel has launched Operation Rising Lion, a coordinated military campaign targeting what it describes as a threat to its 'very survival' posed by Iran. The strikes, which began late Thursday night, targeted Tehran and key sites linked to Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

Explosions were reported across the Iranian capital, with Iran’s state-run news agency confirming the blasts.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the airstrikes were aimed at key parts of Iran’s nuclear and military program.

These strikes come at the time when Trump administration is trying to make a deal with Iran to limit its nuclear activity. US secretary of state Marco Rubio made it clear the US was not involved. He also added that Israel acted on its own.

"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," said Rubio.