US envoy warns Iran's attacks on Israel direct threat to Washington

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee emphasised the presence of hundreds of thousands of American citizens living in Israel, framing Iran’s actions as a direct threat to US nationals in the tensions in the Middle East.

“If you hear 'Israel is no concern to USA' remember 700,000 AMERICANS live in Israel. That is equivalent to a full House District. More Americans here than in any other country except Mexico! Iran isn’t just attacking Israel but your fellow Americans who live here,” Huckabee wrote on X, Caliber.Az reports. 

The ambassador’s comments come amid widespread concern over escalations following Iran’s retaliation after Israeli fighter jets targeted key facilities in Iran, including the country’s main uranium enrichment site in Natanz, missile development infrastructure, and locations associated with top nuclear scientists and military officials.

While the White House has publicly stated that the United States was not involved in the strikes, President Donald Trump responded by underscoring the significant role US-supplied weaponry played in Israel’s operations.

“The United States makes the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the world, BY FAR, and that Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come — and they know how to use it,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.

Following the Israeli offensive, the US has begun repositioning military assets in the region, including naval forces, in anticipation of potential Iranian retaliation, according to two US defence officials.

Despite the heightened military activity, diplomatic efforts continue. Trump’s envoy, developer Steven Witkoff, is still expected to travel to Oman this weekend for a scheduled round of nuclear discussions with Iran’s foreign minister. However, it remains uncertain whether Iranian officials will attend the talks in light of the recent developments.

Israel launched a massive assault on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure on June 13, using warplanes and smuggled drones to strike key sites and kill senior generals and scientists in a bid to halt Iran’s atomic progress. In response, Iran fired dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel, prompting explosions over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

By Sabina Mammadli