U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce addressed reporters Tuesday in a press briefing dominated by the escalating situation with Iran, reiterating the Trump administration’s firm stance against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons and emphasizing the safety and security of American citizens abroad.
Spokesperson Bruce opened by underscoring the ongoing challenges in the Middle East, particularly in the wake of the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel, which she described as a stark reminder of the global threat posed by the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism.
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She highlighted President Trump’s commitment to resolving such existential threats, crediting his re-election to a second term with offering the world a chance to see determined American leadership.
A central theme of the briefing was President Trump’s unwavering position that “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.”
Bruce stated that this commitment has been articulated by the President no fewer than a dozen times since taking office, and over 40 times prior to his presidency, dating back to 2011.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, currently traveling the world to implement President Trump’s vision of peace and security, has consistently echoed this sentiment, which has also been repeatedly affirmed from the State Department podium.
In response to the evolving situation, the Department of State has established a 24-hour Middle East Task Force. This task force is dedicated to coordinating support for U.S. citizens, diplomatic missions, and personnel, as well as facilitating diplomatic engagement. Bruce stated that the task force’s primary goal is to keep U.S. citizens informed, noting that over 30 security alerts have been issued for countries in the region, and travel advisories for Iraq and Israel have been updated.
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“We remind U.S. citizens not to travel to Israel or Iraq and not to travel to Iran under any circumstances,” Bruce cautioned. She urged all U.S. citizens to regularly visit travel.state.gov for the latest advisories and security updates, and to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for timely alerts and guidance. For Americans needing assistance, a dedicated phone number, +1-202-501-4444, was provided, along with instructions to utilize the travel.state.gov website to connect with their closest U.S. embassy.
Bruce acknowledged the rapidly evolving dynamics in the region and praised the State Department and other U.S. government teams working under threat globally, particularly those in Israel and Ukraine who have endured nights sheltering in bunkers.
“Our priority is the safety of Americans overseas, and here at home,” she affirmed, a priority shared by Secretary Rubio and all personnel within the Department.
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During the question-and-answer session, when pressed for more details on the Middle East Task Force, Bruce explained that it comprises individuals who take calls from American citizens worldwide, connecting them with necessary resources in the region.
While she could not discuss specifics of the task force’s operations, she confirmed its role in information dissemination and connecting citizens with embassies. She clarified that the provided phone number connects callers to a separate unit established to assist American citizens, who will often be referred to embassies for direct help.
Regarding specific consular needs, Bruce could not provide advice or information on individual cases, including those of American citizens in Iraq where no U.S. embassy exists. She advised all Americans traveling abroad, especially in the Middle East, to contact their local embassy or consulate, make their presence known, and keep emergency numbers handy.
When asked if the U.S. supports regime change in Iran, Spokesperson Bruce firmly stated, “I’m certainly not going to remotely address that. It would require me to speculate or speak on behalf of the president, which I will not do.” She reiterated President Trump’s consistent posture of seeking peaceful, diplomatic solutions to generational problems, emphasizing his desire for “durable ends to the this nature of Forever Wars.”
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On the question of intelligence sharing with Israel regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities, Bruce stated it was “not something I can answer here.”
Similarly, she declined to comment on any ongoing diplomatic missions involving Secretary Rubio and allies concerning Iran’s nuclear program, or whether the door to diplomacy with Iran on its nuclear program remains open from the U.S. perspective.
Addressing concerns about the U.S. Embassy in Israel’s security alert stating it cannot evacuate or directly assist Americans, Bruce asserted that the Department of State is always planning for contingencies to assist U.S. citizens’ departure from crisis areas. She denied that the State Department was caught off guard by the rapid deterioration of the security situation, affirming that all relevant departments are working 24/7 for the safety of the nation and American people globally.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly added, “The President’s focus is ensuring Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.”
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