Washington, March 6 (NationPress) The United States is amplifying its public diplomacy initiatives to counteract propaganda and influence tactics from nations like Iran and China, while simultaneously clarifying Washington's foreign policy to international audiences, shared Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers during a congressional hearing.

During her testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Thursday, Rogers emphasized that public diplomacy is a vital tool for US national security, especially amid escalating geopolitical tensions and ongoing military actions targeting Iran.

“As the President has articulated, the United States is conducting military operations in Iran under Operation Epic Fury to neutralize threats from the Iranian regime against America, our forces, and our allies,” Rogers noted.

She informed lawmakers that the immediate focus of the State Department is safeguarding American citizens and participants in exchange programs within the area.

“Our global public affairs communicators are ensuring that timely safety guidance is disseminated to all American citizens through social media platforms and the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

Rogers highlighted that the department has already aided thousands of Americans in departing the region since the conflict intensified.

“Since February 28th, we have facilitated the safe return of over 17,500 American citizens from the Middle East,” she stated.

Looking beyond the immediate crisis, Rogers indicated that the administration is concentrating on employing diplomacy and strategic communication to counter misinformation and fortify America’s global narrative.

“Freedom of speech is America’s most cherished freedom and our foremost strength,” she said.

Rogers mentioned that the United States is actively promoting free expression globally and pushing back against censorship that could impact American citizens and enterprises.

Simultaneously, she emphasized that Washington is enhancing its capabilities to combat adversarial propaganda.

“We are increasingly clarifying US resolve while countering anti-American propaganda and foreign influence operations,” Rogers told the committee.

Rogers outlined two primary pillars of US public diplomacy.

“The first is fostering long-term relationships through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs,” she stated.

“We maintain a worldwide network of exchange programs, English language initiatives, and cultural partnerships that connect us to millions of emerging leaders.”

She pointed out that initiatives like Fulbright, Gilman, and the International Visitor Leadership Programme have been instrumental in cultivating connections with future global leaders.

The second pillar focuses on global messaging and communication.

“The Bureau of Global Public Affairs shapes international media narratives by utilizing every digital channel to reach our target audiences,” she explained.

“We are leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to pinpoint emerging trends and assess effectiveness.”

Rogers added that the department has established unified branding guidelines to ensure that US-funded programs abroad are distinctly associated with American leadership.

“We’ve rolled out a new unified branding guideline centered around the American flag,” she said.

According to Rogers, public diplomacy is also being utilized to advance broader foreign policy objectives across various regions.

“In the Western Hemisphere, we’re aiding in the fight against illegal immigration and disrupting transnational criminal organizations,” she stated.

“In the Indo-Pacific, we’re underscoring US technological leadership, and in the Middle East and Africa, we are fostering partnerships that promote peace and economic prospects.”

She also underscored sports diplomacy as an emerging strategy to enhance US engagement internationally.

“We are championing sports diplomacy through USA pavilions at World Expos and our collaboration with the NFL,” Rogers noted.

She remarked that significant global sporting events set to occur in the United States could expand outreach.

“We are taking advantage of unique opportunities to amplify our presence as the nation enters a decade of sports leading up to the FIFA World Cup and the Los Angeles Olympic Games,” Rogers concluded.