Washington DC [US], June 18 (HBTV): The US State Department on Tuesday (local time) reaffirmed the Trump administration's stance on Iran's nuclear programme, stating that ‘Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,’ amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.

Addressing a press briefing, US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that President Donald Trump’s commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities has been consistent since he assumed office.

‘Now with the conflict between Iran and Israel, President Trump is also clear that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon... 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 that Iran cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon,’ said Bruce.

According to a White House release, President Trump has never wavered in his stance — a pledge he has made repeatedly both in office and on the campaign trail. Since taking office, he has stated on at least a dozen occasions that Iran must not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. The same message was reiterated no fewer than 40 times during his campaign and even earlier.

This position aligns with Trump's earlier actions, including the withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and the imposition of sanctions on Iran.

To ensure the safety and security of American citizens amid the conflict, Bruce said the State Department has set up a Middle East Task Force. This unit coordinates support for US citizens, diplomatic missions, and personnel across the region. Over 30 security alerts have been issued to various countries, warning US citizens and advising against travel to Israel, Iraq, or Iran.

‘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, personnel, and diplomatic engagements... To keep US citizens involved, we have issued more than 30 security alerts to countries in the region,’ Bruce added.

Bruce described Trump as ‘one of the most transparent, one of the most clear individuals that we’ve known’, and said he remains a ‘singular guiding hand’ in policy direction, committed to peace and making America great again.

She also echoed Trump’s views on national sovereignty and peace efforts, saying that each country has the right to define its own future, with the US offering assistance where appropriate. However, she declined to state whether the US is seeking regime change in Iran.

‘Every country, as President Trump has stated, has the right to define its own future. He offers his help, and it’s up to the country whether or not they will accept it... He could have chosen to have this be about anything other than peace and making America great again, but he is committed to that and it is part of his overall commitment to the country. I would not speak about the nature of the other country’s decision-making; that is up to them, but we are happy we have a President who is willing to help,’ she said.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, who has demanded an ‘unconditional surrender’ by Iran, met with his national security team on Tuesday, according to the White House.

The confrontation between Iran and Israel has now entered its sixth day, with civilians in flashpoint regions facing continued bombardments. Israel’s defence minister said the country plans to strike ‘very significant targets in Tehran.’ Early Wednesday local time, explosions from incoming Iranian missiles were reported over Tel Aviv.

(ANI)