An Israeli official told the Post: "We presented the American administration with evidence of Iran's breakthrough toward a nuclear bomb. There was full and complete coordination with the Americans."

Iran's armed forces spokesperson accused Israel of carrying out attacks against Iran with US support.

This comes after Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement, "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.

"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 US interests or personnel."

Israeli officials were initially concerned that US President Donald Trump's Thursday evening comments, suggesting Israel "might attack," alerted the Iranians.

The statement, which was made at around 7:00 p.m. Israel time, mere hours before the attacks, was perceived as a kind of green light for Israel. The fear that this remark could expose the attack operation ultimately led to Trump's late-night tweet at midnight, stating that "the US seeks a diplomatic solution."