The U.S. State Department addressed the ongoing missile war between Israel and Iran during a briefing on June 17th, also discussing the Middle East Task Force that has been established in the region. Stay up to date on developments with this conflict, as Trump continues to be questioned over U.S. involvement.
Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, delivered a statement on June 12th addressing Israel’s missile strike on Iran – “We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.”
After leaving the G7 Summit and calling the Security Council to the situation room, Trump has been incessantly questioned by reporters about whether the U.S. will intervene in the matter.
“I may do it, I may not do it,” Trump said to a reporter. “Nobody knows what I’m going to do.”
The Iranian supreme leader has issued warnings to the U.S. suggesting that if there is an intervention, they will have no other option than to retaliate.
Over 30 security alerts have been issued by the United States in the Middle East, and Travel Advisories have been updated for Iraq and Israel. State advises that Americans refrain from traveling to those areas, including Iran.
“Our priority is the safety of Americans overseas and here at home,” Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said. “We thank all of those working on behalf of the American people.”
The State Department has also established a Middle East Task Force to assist U.S. citizens, diplomatic missions and diplomatic engagements during the current crisis.
When asked for details, however, the department spokesperson declined to elaborate.
Trumps’ recent statement calling for a real end to the conflict was brought up in questioning. Spokesperson responded, “He says he wants an end – as he has said about every conflict that he has as a peacemaker worked, to stop peacefully through diplomacy.”
President Trump continues to reiterate that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, and the spokesperson made that a clear point during the briefing.
“As the White House reminds us, since taking office President Trump has clearly stated, no fewer than a dozen times, that Iran cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon, for anyone who’s unclear on that fact.”
When asked if the U.S. government wants to see regime change in Iran, spokesperson stated that Trump’s special envoys have focused on looking for diplomatic solutions to generational problems.
Another reporter alluded in questioning to a security alert issued by the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem which stated that the embassy is not in a position to evacuate or “directly assist Americans in departing Israel.”
The U.S. State Department encourages Americans who need assistance in the region to regularly visit travel.state.gov, and to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for alerts and guidance published by the State Department.
The attack on Kyiv on June 16th was also mentioned during the briefing. In regard to the death of a U.S. citizen the spokesperson said, “We condemn those strikes and extend our deepest condolences to the victims and to the families of those affected.”
“We can confirm the death of a U.S. citizen in Ukraine, and we stand ready to provide all possible consular assistance.”
