U.S. State Department Hails Trump’s Leadership in Ceasefire as Evacuation and Security Efforts Intensify

By Ahora Qadi

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The U.S. State Department on Tuesday praised President Donald Trump’s decisive actions in halting hostilities between Iran and Israel, emphasizing his dual role in eliminating Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and facilitating a ceasefire that is currently holding despite remaining tensions.

During a press briefing, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce affirmed that President Trump’s recent remarks on Truth Social—highlighting his honor in “destroying all nuclear facilities and capability and then stopping the war”—were not merely rhetoric, but evidence of concrete results.

U.S. Assists Over 27,000 Americans Amid Regional Turmoil

Bruce detailed around-the-clock efforts by the State Department to assist American citizens throughout the Middle East. She confirmed that more than 27,000 individuals have sought guidance, with hundreds already evacuated via departure flights from Israel since June 21. Immediate family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents were included in the evacuation, and the department expressed gratitude to regional allies for their cooperation, particularly Qatar for its role in defending Al Udeid Air Base during recent Iranian missile strikes.

“Iran launched several missiles against AUAB,” Bruce said, referring to Al Udeid, “but many were intercepted due to the combined efforts of U.S. and Qatari forces. Thankfully, no Americans or Qataris were hurt.”

Trump’s Diplomatic Momentum Reflected in Global Engagements

Bruce announced that Secretary of State Rubio had arrived alongside President Trump at the NATO summit in The Hague, citing their participation as a sign of “historic change” under Trump’s leadership. She also confirmed that the U.S. would attend the 55th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Antigua and Barbuda, reinforcing efforts to promote regional stability and counter Chinese influence in the Western Hemisphere.

$5 Million Reward Offered for Abducted American in Afghanistan

The briefing also included a renewed appeal for information regarding Mahmoud Shah Habibi, a U.S. citizen abducted by the Taliban in 2022. The “Rewards for Justice” program is offering up to $5 million for credible leads, urging the public to reach out through secure digital platforms.

Ceasefire Holds, But Concerns Remain Over Long-Term Stability

Responding to questions, Bruce acknowledged the fragility of the ceasefire and noted that President Trump remains “pleased” with both Iran and Israel agreeing to halt hostilities. She added that any breach would be taken seriously and emphasized that the president’s transparency in his messaging continues to be a stabilizing factor.

While speculation about future sanctions waivers and potential U.S.-Iran trade relations emerged, Bruce refrained from confirming policy shifts, instead underscoring Trump’s pragmatism as a businessman and national security strategist.

“He has made clear his expectations. Things happen quickly under this administration,” she said, adding that developments around the ceasefire and potential economic re-engagements would become apparent soon.

Condemnation of Church Attack in Syria

The United States also condemned a “brutal and cowardly” attack on the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Syria, calling on Damascus to ensure accountability and protect religious minorities. Ambassador Barrick reaffirmed continued U.S. support for stability in Syria and the broader region.

Looking Ahead

Although no formal monitoring mechanism for the ceasefire was announced, Bruce noted that questions regarding enforcement and verification fall under the purview of the Pentagon and the White House.

For now, the Biden administration is focusing on diplomatic consolidation, regional cooperation, and ensuring American citizens’ safety while closely watching whether the truce between Iran and Israel can evolve into a lasting resolution.