Israel launched a series of precision missile strikes at Iran yesterday designed to wipe out Iran’s nuclear development sites. Those missile strikes, which hit targets across the Islamic Republic of Iran, killed several nuclear scientists and senior officials in Iran’s military.
Israel’s attack follows months of negotiations between the United States and Iran. In those talks, the United States has attempted to get Iran to halt their efforts at enriching uranium that could be used in nuclear weapons.
On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States was not a part of Israel’s attack on Iran and warned the Islamic Republic of Iran not to target U.S. personnel or interests.
“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran,” said Rubio. “We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense. President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”
In Minnesota, five members of Congress weighed in on the strikes.
“Iran is the largest state sponsor of terrorism and its continued refusal to dismantle its nuclear program poses a serious threat to us all,” said Rep. Pete Stauber, a Republican. “In response, Israel has taken action to defend itself – and they have a right to do so. I stand with Israel during this critical time.”
Republican House Majority Whip Tom Emmer said “Iran is the aggressor. Israel is defending its people — and has every right to. It would be a grave miscalculation to test our U.S. forces.”
Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying: “Just as talks with Iran were set to resume, Netanyahu launches a strike and declares a state of emergency. He is provoking a war Americans don’t want. We should not allow ourselves to be dragged into yet another conflict, against our will, by a foreign leader pursuing his own agenda of death and destruction.”
“Israel also knows they can always rely on getting America to protect and serve its needs,” she wrote in another post.
Regardless of what Trump thinks, Israel knows America will do whatever they want and feels confident about their ability to get into war and have the American government back them up. Israel also knows they can always rely on getting America to protect and serve its needs.… https://t.co/WJyxxCzIx5
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) June 13, 2025
Iran is the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, supporting heinous groups like Hamas, and they have made it clear they want to wipe Israel off the map. I stand with Israel as they fight to defend their very existence. I pray for the Israeli military in their brave…
— Rep. Michelle Fischbach (@RepFischbach) June 13, 2025
Last night, Israel took preemptive military action against Iran. Though the United States was not involved in this decision, we must continue to stand with our ally as they fight to protect their homeland against this terror-sponsoring regime.
— Congressman Brad Finstad (@RepFinstad) June 13, 2025
Earlier today, Iran responded with its own missile attacks against the Israeli city of Tel Aviv. While some of Iran’s missiles were intercepted by Israeli defense systems, several have hit the city.
At publication time, injuries in Tel Aviv had been reported and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said more Iranian missiles are expected to be launched towards Israel.
