The US State Department introduced Tuesday that it could set up a Middle East activity drive to assist Americans abroad amid rising regional tensions.
“One of the Trump administration’s high priorities is the protection and security of Americans,” spokesperson Tammy Bruce instructed reporters through the briefing. “To that finish, the State Department has established a Middle East Task Force to assist coordinate US residents, US diplomatic missions, and assist for personnel and diplomatic engagement.”
Bruce mentioned the duty drive has been working 24 hours per week, issued greater than 30 safety alerts and up to date journey advisories for Iraq and Israel. Americans are warned to not journey to Israel or Iraq, and to not journey to Iran beneath any circumstances.
“We proceed to observe complicated, quickly evolving conditions on the bottom,” Bruce added. “We urge all US residents to often go to journey.state.gov for the newest journey advisories and safety updates, and to register for the Smart Traveler Registration Program, also referred to as Step, to obtain well timed alerts and steering from the State Department for Americans in want of help.”
When requested whether or not the duty drive would assist Americans evacuate or return, Bruce defined its goal as information-focused. “The activity drive is a bunch of individuals working for you, and remember to get the enchantment of American residents all over the world and join with what you want in your space.”
Bruce highlighted the division’s dedication.
That is a precedence for Secretary Marco Rubio. It is a precedence for everybody who works on this constructing, and hundreds of American residents who work anonymously, who work for these you by no means see, working at embassies and consulates all over the world, working with these native international locations to be there for American residents, serving to to advertise American diplomacy.
The launch of the duty drive follows new worldwide issues about Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“Since taking workplace, President Trump has clearly acknowledged that Iran can’t be allowed to have nuclear weapons,” Bruce mentioned. “For these unclear about that truth, President Trump made the identical pledge greater than 40 instances earlier than taking workplace till 2011.”