US to begin returning diplomats to Middle East embassies evacuated during war with Iran
Return of staff would begin this week under a phased plan covering eight countries, with partial staffing limits at several missions.
The United States is preparing to return diplomats to Middle East embassies that were evacuated before and during the war with Iran, according to an internal State Department document. The move reflects the administration's assessment that a full-scale renewal of hostilities is unlikely in the near term and could begin as soon as this week with a phased rollback of emergency measures.
The plan covers U.S. embassies in Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Iraq and Kuwait. The document indicates that the first staff to return would be assigned to the embassy in Lebanon, though that mission will not be filled to full capacity initially.
Partial and full returns planned
Full restoration of personnel is planned for the missions in Israel, Jordan and Oman. Staffing at the diplomatic posts in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Lebanon will be limited to about 85 percent, while missions in Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain will be limited to about 75 percent.
The State Department says security conditions at diplomatic missions are under continuous review and that presence levels are being adjusted to allow the conduct of U.S. foreign policy while protecting personnel.
During the conflict, U.S. embassies and their staffs were targeted by drone and rocket attacks linked to Iran and its regional allies, prompting withdrawals or remote work for diplomats in recent months. Returning diplomats is being framed in Washington as a sign that the immediate risk of escalation has eased, but officials emphasize it does not mean a durable peace has been secured.
At the same time, talks between the United States and Iran on extending the ceasefire remain stalled, and Washington has threatened new economic sanctions against Tehran. American officials also say the returns may reflect an effort by the Trump administration to avoid further escalation, while preserving the option of re-evacuating personnel should the security situation deteriorate. "Trump halted the attack on Iran but set one condition."
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