US sets up Middle East task force for possible evacuation of Americans

The US State Department has established a Middle East task force focused on potentially evacuating American citizens from the region following the Israeli attack on Iran.

Two officials from the department spoke to US media about the move, Caliber.Az reports.

“The Department continuously plans for a wide range of situations for regions with heightened tensions,” one official said.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the Israeli strikes “unilateral action” and said the United States was “not involved.” He stressed that, the Trump administration’s “top priority is protecting American forces in the region.”

Israel had “advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense,” Rubio said.

“President Trump and the administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev