Tammy (00:00):
… the attack on Israel on October 7th by Hamas reminding us of what's at stake. Due to the wisdom of the American people, President Trump's election to a second term has offered the world a chance to see an American leader committed to solving many of the world's existential threats with determination.
(00:19)
Now as the conflict between Israel and Iran continues, President Trump has also been clear that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also stated that fact as he has traveled the world working to implement President Trump's vision of peace and security. That statement has also been uttered from this podium many times.
(00:43)
The fact that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon is clear. 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. President Trump has made the same pledge no fewer than 40 times before taking office, even as far back as 2011.
(01:09)
One of the highest priorities of the Trump administration is the safety and security of the American people. To that end, the Department of State has established the Middle East Task Force to help coordinate support for US citizens, our US diplomatic missions and personnel and diplomatic engagement. The task force is operating 24 hours a day.
(01:31)
Over the past week to help keep US citizens informed we have issued more than 30 security alerts to countries in the region and updated the travel advisories for Iraq and Israel. We remind US citizens not to travel to Israel or Iraq and not to travel to Iran under any circumstances. We continue to monitor the complex and rapidly evolving situation on the ground as we continue to assess and address the needs of US citizens. We urge all US citizens to regularly visit travel.state.gov for the latest travel advisories and security updates. And to enroll in the Smart Traveler enrollment program, also known as STEP to receive timely alerts and guidance from the State Department.
(02:20)
For Americans needing assistance, and then we have a bit of the website there for you, call +1 202- 501-4444. That number again is +1 202-501-4444. If you're on that website, you can also click on that red box. It will take you to a page where you can search for the embassy of your interest where you are, where you would like to connect to be able to get help from the embassy in the country where you are. And of course the number's there as well for your closest US embassy.
(03:05)
I also want to add a couple of other things here as we're dealing with this. It is certainly a rapidly evolving dynamic. But to conclude the topper here today. I want to recognize the State Department and other US government teams around the world working under threat on behalf of the American people, particularly those in Israel and Ukraine who spent another night sheltering in bunkers as they came under attack. Our priority is the safety of Americans overseas and here at home. It is the priority of Secretary Marco Rubio. It is the priority of everyone who works in this building. And the thousands of American citizens who work anonymously and whom you will never see, who are working in embassies and consulates around the world and working with those local nations to be there for American citizens and to help facilitate American diplomacy. Our priority is the safety of Americans, yes, here at home, but also overseas.
(04:10)
We thank all of those working on behalf of the American people, all of you watching from home and from around the world, we thank you, and for everyone around the nation we know and honor your work as we begin another briefing here, ready to take your questions. All right. Yes, sir.
Speaker 1 (04:31):
Yes. Hi. Thanks for that. Could you give us some more details on this task force, how it's going to work, and specifically if it's going to help Americans potentially leave the region, be repatriated depending on the countries that they're in and any more you can say [inaudible 00:04:52]
Tammy (04:53):
Right. Well, I won't be giving you, just as a reminder of how today is a little bit of a different day for the briefing, there is always things that I can't say to you. And yet we have a long back and forth, sometimes we have a little bit of debate. I won't engage in that today. My responses will be perhaps a bit quicker than usual. And I'll be moving around more quickly to reach as many of you as I can. And there will be less than I can answer for you because of the circumstances that we're dealing with around the world. So just want you to know it's not personal. But we're working on certain things like the task force as an example.
(05:33)
The task force is a group of people who are working, taking the calls of people, of American citizens around the world, making sure that they get connected with what they may need in that region. I won't go into the details of all that the task forces do of course. But it's about information, making sure people here at the State Department and people, that we get the information we need, but also people around the world, American citizens get directed to the information that they may need as well. So I'll leave it at that. But this is something that the State Department does when there's a situation that requires it. And this is one of those times.
Matt (06:08):
[inaudible 00:06:11]
Tammy (06:10):
Sure, Matt, sure, of course.
Matt (06:12):
Does that phone number that you gave us, if you call that number, which I can do right now, who do you get?
Tammy (06:19):
You get an individual who is at-
Matt (06:20):
The task force?
Tammy (06:21):
No, you don't get the task force. That phone number is a general phone number. The task force is busy. But it is a separate unit that is established to take the calls to assist American citizens who call to the embassies, particularly, you're going to be referred to embassies, who can help you get what it is you need. So good question. Thank you sir.
(06:42)
All right. Yes, Andrew.
Andrew (06:43):
Question. There's some specific consular needs, one in particular that I'm aware of, and there may be more than one, is an American citizen in Iran, where there is no embassy, no consulate, would that be a specific [inaudible 00:07:01] to it, would there be other options? Does Consular Affairs give any advice as to what to do about Americans right now stuck in [inaudible 00:07:10]
Tammy (07:10):
I can't speak to any advice or information regarding individuals in Iran at this point.
Andrew (07:15):
And what about American Israelis or Israeli Americans either wanting to come out or wanting to get back home, El Al I believe has resumed flights in some small measure for people who … some people have kids in Israel and they were visiting the States and there is Americans on business. Is there anything that they can do? Should they call this number?
Tammy (07:41):
Well, obviously if you know, and we encourage every American, when you travel, is to contact your local embassy or consulate, let them know you're there. Make sure you know where they are, have those numbers. And that's what I would recommend, no matter where you're traveling, but certainly in the Middle East, is know where those entities are, know where the embassy is.
(08:02)
So if you're in Israel, obviously it's Tel Aviv, it's Jerusalem-
Andrew (08:06):
[inaudible 00:08:08].
Tammy (08:07):
Well, they will answer their phone. So there's contacts that can happen in the midst of all of this. And of course I think that that's the advice for wherever you are. But clearly if you're in a certain area, it's obvious in this case that there are certain limitations in that region. And that contact the embassy, the one that is nearest to you, and you will … At the very least make sure they know where you are. But also they will give you some options for the plans that you would like to make.
(08:39)
Yes. Numyra.
Numyra (08:40):
Tammy, I understand your limitations, but I have to ask this.
Tammy (08:44):
I know you do, it's your job and I appreciate that. I am here to take questions, not necessarily always answer them.
Numyra (08:49):
Yeah. Last night President Trump said he wants a real end not a ceasefire. So does the United States support or pursue regime change in Iran? Or are we just talking about dismantling Iran's nuclear enrichment? And would that include United States helping Israel strike [inaudible 00:09:06]
Tammy (09:06):
Well, I'm certainly not going to characterize what President Trump says or tweets for that matter. He doesn't need characterizing, he's one of the most transparent, one of the most clear individuals that we've known. I think that we can take his word for his word. But I'm not going to speculate in a larger sense what that would mean. That is up to the president. He is the singular guiding hand about what will be occurring from this point forward, as he has been. And I think that that dynamic is pretty clear. 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. That has been his commitment. And he wants these things, as he said, about a number of situations, not for a month or six months,
Tammy (10:00):
… But durable ends to this nature of forever wars, and that has been his posture and that's his posture now.
Speaker 2 (10:08):
Okay. I have an easy to follow up.
Tammy (10:09):
Yes ma'am.
Speaker 2 (10:10):
How many people-
Tammy (10:11):
I'll take a hard one too, I'd say. Sorry.
Speaker 2 (10:12):
How many people so far have contacted US missions in Israel or elsewhere, American citizens seeking help to depart the country that they're in, in the Middle East?
Tammy (10:25):
Yes. I won't discuss those details with the numbers involved with the embassy.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
Are you guys planning to build, say, charter plans to get people out or military evacuation?
Tammy (10:33):
I will not discuss what our plans are in that regard. Yes ma'am.
Speaker 4 (10:36):
Just to follow up on that really quickly.
Tammy (10:38):
Sure.
Speaker 4 (10:38):
Are you guys considering at all operations that would help Americans who want to leave the region from evacuating?
Tammy (10:46):
I know that our commitment is to the safety and security of Americans around the world. All right. Yes sir. Yes sir. Go ahead.
Speaker 3 (10:56):
Would the US government like to see regime change in Iran?
Tammy (11:00):
First of all, 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. What we've seen though is clear, is months and repeated statements that all he wants is a peaceful world. His activity and the activity and the nature of the actions that the United States has taken and his special envoys have been rooted in one thing, which is negotiations, looking for diplomatic solutions to generational problems that he wants solved diplomatically. That has been his constant posture and there has been nothing that has changed in what he wishes for, what he would hope to accomplish. And so of course that's not something I'm going to address.
Speaker 3 (11:47):
Is the US government and the Israeli government on the same page when it comes to the intelligence about Iran's nuclear weapons?
Tammy (11:53):
That is a question for the White House and perhaps the NSC. That's not something I can answer here. Nadia.
Nadia (11:59):
The president said he want to see Iran offers unconditional surrender. I'm not going to ask you to comment on the president's statement, but I'm going to ask you if the secretary is involved in any kind of diplomatic emissions with these allies, with the Germans, with the French, trying to offer something to the Iranians as a way out.
Tammy (12:17):
Well, I again would not speak on the details of any diplomatic conversations, if they occurred, between whom, what those details would be. We know of course the secretary and the President were at the G7. Their constant work from the moment they came to office has been to, and certainly Secretary Rubio was to open up conversations and to lead the world through diplomacy to make a difference, but that's the only thing that would guide me when it comes to the nature of the decisions they're making at this point. Yes ma'am.
Speaker 5 (12:48):
Without getting into the details of the conversations, is the door to diplomacy with Iran on its nuclear program still open in the US?
Tammy (12:56):
That would be a decision made by President Trump.
Speaker 5 (12:59):
Have you heard from the Iranian signaling interest in continuing discussions?
Tammy (13:03):
That is not something that I can speak to. Yes, ma'am.
Speaker 6 (13:07):
Going back to the conflict piece of this. In Israel, the latest security alert from the embassy there still says that the embassy is not in a place to evacuate or directly assist Americans. Do you have any timeline on when that might change for the Americans who are stranded in that country? And just looking at how quickly the security situation has changed there, the travel alert was raised to a level four from level three for the entirety of the country. Is that a sign that the state's department was caught on its back foot a little bit by this change, because Americans still can't get help?
Tammy (13:40):
I can say the answer to that last question is no. We are working 24/7 to ensure the safety and the security of Americans around the world. I can say that the Department of State is always planning for contingencies to assist private US citizens departure from crisis areas and we will alert the US citizenry community if there is and when there is additional information to share regarding their options during any crisis, but certainly this one as well. When it comes to how quickly people can expect a dynamic, the American government, the State Department, our military, as you've seen all of these assets, all of these departments involved in this dynamic in one fashion or another are working exclusively for the safety of this nation and the safety of the American people wherever they may be. Yes sir.
Speaker 7 (14:33):
Thank you, Tammy. At the top you said that you're advising US citizens not to travel to Israel or Iraq, or Iran under any circumstances. Do you have any more general guidance for Americans in the Middle East more broadly as a region, are there other countries that you're advocating for [inaudible 00:14:52]
Tammy (14:53):
Well, at our website we have our travel alerts. We also have moved them on our State Department, Twitter, our social media accounts. Those are for the public to see. What is the specific one for people to look to if they want to look for specific country travel alerts? Is it Travel.state.gov? So travel.state.gov and you'll see every travel alert there for you depending on if you're going to be traveling. It does not just for the Middle East or if you're in a country right now, you can get your information there. Yes, sir.
Speaker 8 (15:31):
Two question. In your topper you also recognize American diplomats serving in Ukraine and Israel who spent another night in the bunker. The one of American citizens had looked to be killed by the Russians last night in Ukraine. You have any comment and will the US government act to protect American citizens in Ukraine?
Tammy (15:51):
Yes, we are aware of last night's attack on Kyiv, which resulted in numerous casualties including the tragic death of a US citizen. We condemn those strikes and extend our deepest condolences to the victims and to the families of all those affected. The president in the recent past has made his thoughts clear about striking the civilian areas in that regard. And just to reiterate again, which is of the thread throughout all of the work that we do is the department has no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens abroad, and we can confirm the death of a US citizen in Ukraine, and we stand ready to provide all possible consular assistance and out of respect to the family during this obviously horrible time. We have no further details to offer in that regard.
Speaker 8 (16:38):
A second topic in light of Israel-Iran tension. Some of our colleagues from DOA, [inaudible 00:16:45] have called back. How much do the events of past few days signify the role of DOA and other outlets to terrorize the [inaudible 00:16:55] enemies?
Tammy (16:58):
Yes. I'm not going to go into the details of what we're doing when it comes to communications into that region or into specific countries. Yes, sir.
Speaker 9 (17:05):
Thank you, Tammy. Two Iran-related topics. Number one, the administration kept this conflict between Israel and Iran and arms length over the first few days and now since last night and especially today, we're hearing the president say, "We, we, we," more. "We have control over the skies. We know where the supreme leader is." He's taking more ownership of the situation directly. Is that feeling trickling down to this building as well? Is there more of an ownership of the situation in the State Department as well?
Tammy (17:34):
Well, I again, can't characterize the feelings of the President of the United States. We know that he is our lead. We know that he is the guiding hand. We know that he is one of a few who know all the details, and he clearly has a mission and an agenda that has involved diplomacy and changing the world for the better for people. In the meantime, of course, things change. Our experiences change. He's making comments that are a reflection of what matters to him, and of course, what matters to the President matters to the State Department and every other department. I think that it is fair to say that his leadership and his reelection to the second term was because people here in the United States were tired of the status quo, and what the world has seen is a peacemaker and someone who can make a difference, and that's what they're looking forward to.
Speaker 9 (18:31):
One question. Can I get in one more?
Tammy (18:32):
One more.
Speaker 9 (18:33):
There's no special envoy for Iran. Several key locations in the Middle East don't have a confirmed ambassador. We speak often about the day after situation in Gaza. What about the day after situation in Iran? Is the State Department ready for it?
Tammy (18:46):
Well, the State Department and the Trump administration, while you may not see things immediately, just because it's not maybe in the news or you're not present for things that occur, doesn't mean they're not occurring. I would remind everyone that the State Department, as I've found out, is like the military. It's 24/7. It is not something that is a basic 8:00 to 5:00 dynamic. And it's because people are working around the world constantly. It is literally their mission, personally, their work is what they do and are committed to. So while you may see a certain thing in a static framework, it doesn't mean that we have not worked on that or are not working on that or that things will begin to happen.
(19:27)
So it's just a reminder that it's not about the day after. We are working before, during, and after. It is the anticipation of people with history and an experience when it comes to the history, not just of a building and of a department of the United States, but the history of people working on diplomatic issues throughout the world. And they work for this department and they are committed to those issues, and that is what makes the State Department so effective. In addition to the leadership
Tammy (20:00):
-- that is afforded by Marco Rubio as guided by Donald Trump.
(20:04)
Yes, sir. You've been waiting.
Speaker 10 (20:07):
The NATO summit is in the Hague next week.
Tammy (20:09):
Yes.
Speaker 10 (20:11):
President Trump and Secretary Rubio came back early from the G-7 Summit because of the nature of what's going on in the Middle East. If this situation is still unfolding next week, should we expect some kind of changes to the delegation, changes to travel, should we be anticipating that if the situation is still ongoing?
Tammy (20:29):
I can't tell you if anything will change. I know it has not so far, but as we have experienced from day-to-day, or even sometimes hour-to-hour, things do change. This is a very dynamic event.
(20:43)
We've all had our special situations that we're interested in and we all want diplomacy to work and we've been cheering on summits and ceasefire discussions, et cetera, but this is something that is moving, as things tend to, very rapidly. So I would say that anything is possible, but at this point in time, that is still certainly on the books, but that's going be, obviously, that's a presidential trip, that's going to be up to the White House and I'm sure will be affected by their decision-making based on what they see.
(21:19)
Yes sir.
Alan Fisher (21:20):
Thanks, Tammy. Two questions, please. First of all-
Tammy (21:23):
Can you tell me, sir?
Alan Fisher (21:24):
Alan Fisher from Al Jazeera.
Tammy (21:26):
Very good. How do you do?
Alan Fisher (21:27):
Fine, thank you.
(21:29)
The US Intelligence assessment on March 26th was that Iran was not working towards a nuclear bomb. What's changed that the US position seems to be that it was very close?
Tammy (21:40):
Well, again, I can't speak to intelligence assessments, what may or may not have changed, or to the fact that it is President Trump and his team who are seeing things that matter when it comes to the decision-making, and I think that that's what's happened here.
Alan Fisher (21:56):
Second question is if the president in his first term was willing to give the Taliban 18 months to come up with a deal, why was there only 60 days given to the Iranians to discuss something which is much more complicated?
Tammy (22:08):
Again, I'm not going to discuss the details of the decisions made by the president.
(22:12)
Andrea?
Andrea Mitchell (22:14):
Did you see [inaudible 00:22:14] Tulsi Gabbard's testimony in open session to the committees.
Tammy (22:19):
Well, yes, and as I've noted, today is not that day.
(22:24)
Next? Yes? Yes, sir, in the tie and the white shirt.
Speaker 11 (22:28):
Thank you.
Andrea Mitchell (22:29):
[inaudible 00:22:29] just suggesting that-
Tammy (22:30):
Andrea, we're moving on, please. Let's please, be able to manage this.
Andrea Mitchell (22:33):
I'm just trying to get a clarification.
Tammy (22:35):
Sir, in the back there.
Speaker 11 (22:36):
Thank you, ma'am. My question is, the other week we were talking about the negotiations between Iran and the US, and the president was very optimistic about it, and now drastically, everything has changed, when we are talking almost about a full-scale war between Israel and Iran. How do you name the procedure right now, has the negotiations failed, or how can we name it?
(23:03)
My second question will be, the Iranian state TV has been targeted by the Israeli Air Force, how do you see that? Do you see a state TV channel as a legitimate target?
Tammy (23:17):
Well, you'd have to ask Israel about their decisions when it comes to the choices with what they strike and what they don't.
Speaker 11 (23:23):
[inaudible 00:23:24]
Tammy (23:24):
And on your first question, which now is already … what was your first question?
Speaker 11 (23:29):
My first question, after all this, after these escalations, how do you name the process?
Tammy (23:35):
Well, I would say that you would look to the President of the United States for how he's characterizing what has occurred, and he's very open and transparent with that, and does it with his many conversations with the media, and also on Truth Social. He is clearly accessible, certainly with his remarks, and he has said a number of things on social media that I think might answer your question.
(24:02)
Yes, Saeed?
Saeed (24:02):
Thank you, Very quick question on Gaza.
Tammy (24:08):
Of course, well, are we continuing still with the …
Saeed (24:10):
[inaudible 00:24:10]
Tammy (24:11):
I will come to you on Gaza, Saeed, I promise, but let's continue with the topic at hand.
(24:17)
So yes, sir, in the back?
Speaker 12 (24:18):
Thank you so much, Tammy. Question is, one question on Iraq related to Iran. The Iranian-backed groups [inaudible 00:24:25] the US against interfering in the Israeli-Iran conflict, which they said any American integration in the conflict with Trump, the group will target the US interest across the region. Have you reached to the Iraqi government and what's your message to these [inaudible 00:24:39]
(24:39)
And the second question, was the State Department's assessment of diplomacy, have you put diplomacy on the side, or you still believe that diplomacy can work with Iran?
Tammy (24:49):
Well, again, I'm not going to comment on the nature of how the White House or the president or the DOD will respond to certain remarks or demands made by someone, so you'll have to ask the DOD regarding their reaction, in that regard.
(25:03)
I would also though, I know that the president's Truth Social, he's made a very clear, even I think today, and I think I've got that right here. This is again, one of the things we've learned about President Trump, is that when he tweets, when he speaks, the world watches, and it's the most clear framework that we can learn of his approach.
(25:27)
He has … I don't know if I can get to the exact one, but he has made it very clear that … Oh yes, here we go. He has noted that we don't want missiles shot at civilians or American soldiers, or our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter. He's making it clear, I think here, regarding certain choices on the ground that are being made and that what we've asked for regularly is, and what he has made clear is, that we were not a part of the initiation of this, certainly. We're not a part of Israel's attacks on Iran, that I think was made, stated very clearly, by both Secretary Rubio and the president.
(26:14)
That's important for them, for people to know, and in this case, of course, the president has made it clear that if Americans are hurt or, in this case, a missile shot at civilians or American soldiers, that there would be a repercussion. I think that that would not be surprising.
(26:31)
All right, we'll go back … Well, more on Iran. We'll close with you, sir.
Speaker 12 (26:37):
Thanks so much.
Speaker 13 (26:37):
Can you tell us about your role as partner to increase the mediation efforts with Iran like in [inaudible 00:26:44] or Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE? President Trump recently concluded a successful trip to the Middle East. What can you tell us about the role of these partners?
Tammy (26:50):
Well, it's clearly, he went with a goal in mind. He makes deals. He's the best dealmaker in the world. These partners in the Middle East that we have, they understand clearly our intentions and what our goals are.
(27:07)
Thankfully, again, to the approach and the style of President Trump, so I think that when it comes to, again, the best person who can explain his feelings and thoughts about what's accomplished on any issue is the president himself, so I refer you back to what he writes and what he's posting. On, I think, a very regular basis, which is helpful to people like me and, I think, to the world at large as well.
Speaker 13 (27:35):
Despite Israel's concerns, President Trump is still trying to negotiate with Iran for a nuclear deal showing that his priority is peace in the region. President Trump has once again recently offered to mediate on Kashmir, but the Modi government says that they don't need Trump's help. Does President Trump needs Modi permission to be involved in the Kashmir region?
Tammy (27:56):
Well, yes, this is, every country, as President Trump has stated, is a right to define its own future. He offers his help and it's up to whoever he's offering it to, whether or not they'll accept it. We live in a fascinating, exciting time where we've got a man who can make the difference and he's generous about making that difference.
(28:20)
He could have chosen to have this term be about anything other than peace and making America great again, but he's stuck with that, he's committed to that, it is part of his overall commitment to the country, so I would not speak to the nature of another country's decision making, that's up to them, but I think all of us are grateful that we have a president who's willing to help and wants to help.
(28:43)
Now you have one more in Iran and then we'll go to Saeed.
Speaker 14 (28:51):
Can you confirm a report, that former Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been killed in Tehran?
Tammy (28:52):
I can't confirm that, or report on that, or discuss it. All right, thank you.
(28:57)
Saeed?
Saeed (28:57):
Thank you. A very quick question.
Tammy (28:59):
Yes sir.
Saeed (29:00):
In the last 48 hours, or the last three days, dozens of Palestinians have been killed at the aid centers and so on, with everybody focused on Iran, does this situation still garner some interest or attention from this building, the United States of America, and are you urging the Israelis to hold off, whatever, not fire on or at these aid centers?
Tammy (29:29):
Well, we of course are always saddened to hear reports about any mass casualty situation or shootings. I don't know who isn't, no matter what the dynamic. The IDF has said, a particular incident is under review, and that is helpful and we'll see what their review comes up with, and in the meantime, I think it is important, also, when it comes to the nature of the efforts to get aid and food to the Gazans,
Tammy (30:01):
We now know, can report, that the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation now is working at four distribution sites and has distributed nearly 26 million meals to date. So it is again a conversation about whether or not the State Department cares. Every day there's a demonstration. And when we think about the State Department, it's people. It's people who've committed their lives to a diplomatic life, to a life of foreign service, to a political life, to try to make the difference for the world. So we see that manifesting here. And as we also know with today's events and today's conversations, there's a reason why we need people like President Trump and the American commitment to peace abroad. All right? Yes. Okay.
Speaker 15 (30:46):
Yeah. It seemed to be reported in all your [inaudible 00:30:49] Secretary of Defense [inaudible 00:30:52] actually president.
Tammy (30:53):
Yes.
Speaker 15 (30:54):
We've expand the travel ban to 36 other countries. A lot of them, from what I understand, are on Africa there's already 19 countries that are affected by travel ban to a different extent. Can you share any details, elements you have on this plan? I
Tammy (31:13):
Can speak a little bit about it. Not into the detail about the decision making or the process in that regard, but we are of course committed to protecting our nation's citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process, in particular. As laid out of President Trump's Executive Order 14161, protecting the United States from foreign terrorists and other national security and public safety threats, the visa adjudication process has got to ensure that US bound foreign travelers do not pose a threat to the national security and public safety of the United States. That is, I think, a very low bar, and is a bar that every nation should be able to adopt. To protect the national security and national interests of the United States and its people, the Department of State and other US government agencies assess other countries' security capabilities, information sharing, and identity management practices, exploitation of the US visa system such as overstay rates, and failure to facilitate the repatriation of their removable nationals.
(32:24)
So noting where country, perhaps as you did, is located, the geo-position, the actual location of the country is not a factor, or what continent that country is on. These are about very specific aspects, about whether or not the United States feels they can trust the information we rely on those countries for, to determine whether or not they'll get a visa. We rely on the vetting and the presentation of information from other nations in order to say, "Yes, you can," or "You can't come." In this particular instance, I think that it's clear as we're looking at providing a period of time, countries being told, if they don't get to that point where we can trust them, that they've got to change the system, update it, do whatever they need to do to convince us that we can trust the process and the information they have.
(33:18)
So that is the goal of this. The secretary will have the discretion to determine whether or not someone is on that list, as we then also continuously vet the nature of what's happening within these conversations. And the goal is so that we can all move forward, so that people can come to the country.
Speaker 16 (33:37):
Can I follow up on that?
Tammy (33:37):
And that's our goal. All right.
Speaker 16 (33:39):
Can I follow up on that real quickly?
Speaker 18 (33:40):
Ma'am?
Tammy (33:40):
Yes, sir. But I don't know why you're so far in the back [inaudible 00:33:43].
Speaker 16 (33:42):
I'm far away, I'm sorry. I was going to ask-
Tammy (33:45):
With NPR. Yes.
Speaker 16 (33:46):
Yes. Just following up on that, that there was a deadline given for these 36 countries tomorrow to come up with their action plan. I wonder if you've heard back from any of them yet.
Tammy (33:56):
No, that's incorrect. I can just tell you that that's not correct. The fact is that they will have a considerable amount of time to rectify whatever the situation is that the State Department is determined is affecting the nature of our trust in how we issue a visa. All right?
Speaker 18 (34:14):
Yeah.
Tammy (34:14):
Yes. And we'll take-
Speaker 16 (34:14):
Yes, please. [inaudible 00:34:16].
Tammy (34:16):
Yes, sir. With the beard there. Yes.
Speaker 16 (34:20):
Has the United States-
Tammy (34:22):
Can you tell me your name, sir, and your outlet?
Speaker 16 (34:24):
Mustafa Adbul, [inaudible 00:34:26].
Tammy (34:26):
Okay. Welcome aboard.
Speaker 18 (34:27):
Thank you. Has the United States received any official request from Baghdad to help prevent Israel overflights in Iraqi airspace? And what is Washington's response to such a request?
Tammy (34:43):
Again, you would need to speak to the Department of Defense and the White House regarding that. I won't speak to the details of conversations certainly about anything of that matter involving any country. And I think that will be it for today, as we return.
Speaker 19 (34:57):
[inaudible 00:34:58].
Tammy (34:57):
Thank you all for your patience and I expect to see you again later in the week. Thank you very much everyone.
Speaker 18 (35:03):
Thank you, [inaudible 00:35:04].
Tammy (35:04):
Thank you. Appreciate it.
Speaker 17 (35:04):
You only have half of the journalists, that's okay.
Speaker X (35:31):
[inaudible 00:35:31].
(35:31)
Oh, my pleasure. [inaudible 00:35:31].
(35:31)
[inaudible 00:35:31].
(35:31)
I know. Yeah, [inaudible 00:35:31].
(35:31)
[inaudible 00:35:32].
(35:31)
[inaudible 00:35:47]. Yeah.
(35:31)
[inaudible 00:35:48].
Speaker 20 (35:49):
Hey, that's a wrap on [inaudible 00:35:50]. Not sure that is [inaudible 00:35:55].
Speaker X (35:55):
Huh?
Speaker 20 (35:56):
I'm not sure that [inaudible 00:35:58]. Stand bye.
Speaker X (36:00):
[inaudible 00:36:01], stand bye.
Speaker 20 (36:00):
[inaudible 00:36:02].
Speaker X (36:01):
Yeah.
(36:01)
Stand bye.
