State Department creates Middle East taskforce to help Americans trapped in the region

The State Department on Tuesday announced the creation of a new Middle East task force that is designed to help Americans still in the war-torn region amid an escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

The task force comes after Israel attacked Iran's nuclear facilities last week, killing many of its military leaders and scientists in hopes of stopping the country from developing a nuclear weapon. 

The State Department has issued multiple travel advisories and alerts for Americans in the region since the conflict escalated, including changing travel advisories for both countries to a Level 4. 

"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," State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters. "The task force is operating 24 hours a day. We remind U.S. citizens not to travel to Israel or Iraq, and not to travel to Iran under any circumstances."

Bruce added that Americans in the Middle East can call the State Department at (+1 202-501-4444) for assistance. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.