State Department announces Middle East task force to help Americans in the region
Share and Follow

The U.S. State Department announced the creation of a Middle East task force for Americans in the region who are facing perilous security situations amid ongoing aerial attacks between Israel and Iran.

“The Department of State has established the Middle East task force to help coordinate support for U.S. citizens, our U.S. diplomatic missions and our diplomatic personnel and diplomatic engagement. The task force is operating 24 hours a day,” State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Tuesday, before going on to note that the department has issued more than 30 security alerts for Americans in the Middle East in recent days.

“We remind U.S. citizens not to travel to Israel or Iraq, and not to travel to Iran under any circumstances,” she stressed.

Bruce then shared a number Americans abroad could call to access help from the State Department (+1 202-501-4444) and displayed a web page where travelers could identify their closest U.S. embassy.

Yet, the latest security alert issued by the U.S. mission to Israel notes that the embassy there is “not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel.”

Bruce declined to give a timeline as to when that might change. She also didn’t share how many Americans had already contacted the embassy about help getting out of Israel (a figure the department has shared in the past) or any plans for evacuations/assisted government departures.

Copyright © 2025 ABC News Internet Ventures.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
'Sinners' makes history, setting Oscars nomination record

Record-Breaking Milestone: ‘Sinners’ Shatters Oscars Nomination History

Ryan Coogler’s enthralling vampire saga, “Sinners,” has swept the board at the…
Federal agents stand guard, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

Minnesota Prepares for Friday’s Anti-Immigration Enforcement Protest Amid Severe Cold Conditions

In Minneapolis, a coalition of labor unions, progressive groups, and faith leaders…
"Heated Rivalry" boosting demand for NHL tickets, SeatGeek says

Surge in NHL Ticket Sales Driven by Intense Rivalry, Reports SeatGeek

The National Hockey League (NHL) has recently found a surprising new group…
Florida charter boat captain arrested, allegedly tried to sell cocaine he found at sea

Florida Charter Captain Busted: Sea Adventure Turns into Shocking Cocaine Scandal

A Florida charter boat captain has been apprehended under allegations of selling…
Indiana judge shooting: Police arrest 3 on attempted murder charges, 2 others in custody

Indiana Judge Shooting: Authorities Arrest Three on Attempted Murder Charges, Detain Two Additional Suspects

Authorities in Indiana have apprehended five individuals in connection with the shooting…
Chicago Bears stadium search: Indiana state lawmakers advance Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to lure NFL team

Indiana Eyes New Stadium Authority to Attract Chicago Bears from Illinois

CHICAGO (WLS) — In a recent communication with Bears season ticket holders,…
California carjacker Mohamed Husein steals Corvettes before deadly San Jose shootout

California Carjacking Spree: Mohamed Husein’s Corvette Thefts End in Fatal San Jose Shootout

An intense carjacking spree, involving stolen Corvettes and spanning several counties, concluded…
US envoys ‌arrive in Moscow for peace talks after Zelensky blasted EU

US Diplomats Touch Down in Moscow for Crucial Peace Negotiations Following Zelensky’s Critique of EU

U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have touched down in Moscow…