US Begins Returning Diplomats to Middle East Missions After Iran War Evacuations

The United States has begun preparing to return diplomatic personnel to several missions across the Middle East after staff were evacuated or reduced during the conflict with Iran, according to people familiar with the matter.

The diplomatic posts expected to receive returning personnel include missions in Lebanon, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Baghdad, Iraq. Family members will also be permitted to return to the U.S. diplomatic post in Riyadh.

The move could begin as early as this week and suggests that Washington believes the immediate risk of further escalation in the region has decreased.

However, some U.S. embassies will initially operate below their normal staffing levels. Sources said some missions could be limited to 85% of their authorised personnel, while others would operate at even lower levels.

The United States withdrew personnel from several Middle Eastern embassies after U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran began on February 28. Some U.S. diplomatic facilities in Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, subsequently came under attack.

Although heavy fighting has declined, tensions remain high. A U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports continues, while the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, disrupting a major international route for oil and other commodities.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson said the department regularly reviews the security situation at its diplomatic missions around the world.

The spokesperson said staffing levels were being adjusted at certain Middle Eastern posts based on the latest security assessment, with the aim of continuing U.S. foreign-policy operations while protecting American personnel.

According to an earlier report by The New York Times, diplomatic staffing is also expected to increase at U.S. missions in Jordan, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar.

U.S. embassies in Israel, Jordan and Oman are expected eventually to return to full staffing. Missions in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Lebanon could initially remain at 85% capacity, while posts in Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain could operate at around 75%.

The gradual return of diplomats reflects Washington's assessment that security conditions have improved enough to resume broader diplomatic operations, although significant risks remain across the region.

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