The United States has informed several Middle Eastern governments that it does not intend to become directly involved in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran—unless American personnel are attacked, according to two sources familiar with the communications.
Officials from countries receiving the message said the US conveyed this position both in the lead-up to and following Israel’s launch of military operations last Thursday. The message appears to be a deterrent from Iranian retaliation against US assets or personnel in the region, stating that American forces would only engage if directly targeted.
The United States has supported Israel’s defense by helping intercept missile attacks, but American officials have stressed that Israel is acting alone in launching offensive strikes against Iran. An Arab diplomat with knowledge of Tehran’s position told Axios, “The Iranians are very careful so far not to do anything that can push the US to get involved.”
Despite the friction, particularly over Israel’s efforts to eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities, the Trump admin has held firm. Israel has urged the US to join its campaign against Iran, but a US official told Axios that the administration is not considering that step.
One official claimed Israel had an opportunity over the weekend to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but President Trump made clear he would not support such action—unless Iran crosses a red line by killing Americans. That message was interpreted by Israeli officials as a warning to Tehran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking to ABC News, said the option to target Khamenei remains open and insisted it would “end the war.”
Meanwhile, American military movements suggest Washington is preparing for a possible escalation. The Nimitz aircraft carrier strike group is being deployed to the region, and 28 refueling aircraft reportedly left the US on Sunday to bolster capabilities in the Middle East.
At a press briefing Monday, Netanyahu confirmed he speaks with President Trump regularly and emphasized that while he values American support, he understands that “President Trump will do what he thinks is best for America.”
“We will welcome any US contribution,” Netanyahu said. He added in the interview, “Look, I understand ‘America First.’ I don’t understand ‘America Dead.’ That’s what these people want.”
While America continues to state publicly and privately that it does not plan to enter the war, diplomatic activity continues behind the scenes. During a G7 summit meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier on Monday, President Trump told reporters that Iran had expressed interest in negotiations.
“They should have done that before. They had 60 days and on the 61st day I said, ‘We don’t have a deal.’ Iran is not winning this war—they should talk immediately before it is too late,” Trump said.
Officials from countries receiving the message said the US conveyed this position both in the lead-up to and following Israel’s launch of military operations last Thursday. The message appears to be a deterrent from Iranian retaliation against US assets or personnel in the region, stating that American forces would only engage if directly targeted.
The United States has supported Israel’s defense by helping intercept missile attacks, but American officials have stressed that Israel is acting alone in launching offensive strikes against Iran. An Arab diplomat with knowledge of Tehran’s position told Axios, “The Iranians are very careful so far not to do anything that can push the US to get involved.”
Despite the friction, particularly over Israel’s efforts to eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities, the Trump admin has held firm. Israel has urged the US to join its campaign against Iran, but a US official told Axios that the administration is not considering that step.
One official claimed Israel had an opportunity over the weekend to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but President Trump made clear he would not support such action—unless Iran crosses a red line by killing Americans. That message was interpreted by Israeli officials as a warning to Tehran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking to ABC News, said the option to target Khamenei remains open and insisted it would “end the war.”
Meanwhile, American military movements suggest Washington is preparing for a possible escalation. The Nimitz aircraft carrier strike group is being deployed to the region, and 28 refueling aircraft reportedly left the US on Sunday to bolster capabilities in the Middle East.
At a press briefing Monday, Netanyahu confirmed he speaks with President Trump regularly and emphasized that while he values American support, he understands that “President Trump will do what he thinks is best for America.”
“We will welcome any US contribution,” Netanyahu said. He added in the interview, “Look, I understand ‘America First.’ I don’t understand ‘America Dead.’ That’s what these people want.”
While America continues to state publicly and privately that it does not plan to enter the war, diplomatic activity continues behind the scenes. During a G7 summit meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier on Monday, President Trump told reporters that Iran had expressed interest in negotiations.
“They should have done that before. They had 60 days and on the 61st day I said, ‘We don’t have a deal.’ Iran is not winning this war—they should talk immediately before it is too late,” Trump said.
