US Diplomats Begin Returning to Middle East Posts

The United States is beginning to return personnel to diplomatic missions across the Middle East that were evacuated or downsized amid tensions with Iran. The easing of emergency measures could begin as early as this week, according to The New York Times and internal State Department documents.

Staffing levels are expected to increase at US diplomatic missions in Lebanon, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar.

US embassies in Israel, Jordan and Oman are ultimately expected to return to full staffing. Missions in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Lebanon will initially be capped at 85% of normal staffing, while those in Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain will be limited to 75%.

A State Department spokesperson said staffing levels were continually adjusted based on the latest assessment of security conditions, with the safety of employees and their families remaining the top priority while the department pursues US foreign policy goals.

Staffing reductions began in February, when Washington authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency personnel and family members from Israel amid tensions with Iran.

(Reuters, Max)