NYT: U.S. Prepares to Return Diplomats to Middle East Embassies After Iran War

AP

U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.

The U.S. State Department is preparing to return diplomats to several embassies in the Middle East that were evacuated before and during the war with Iran, The New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing an internal State Department document.

The return of Foreign Service officers and the easing of emergency measures at U.S. diplomatic missions across the region could begin as early as this week, according to the report.

Embassies expected to restore higher staffing levels include those in Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Iraq and Kuwait, the report said.

In a statement quoted by the New York Times, the State Department said it "continuously reviews the security posture at our diplomatic missions around the world."

"Based on our latest assessment, we are adjusting our staffing posture at certain posts in ‌the ⁠Middle East to ensure we can continue advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives while protecting the safety and security of our personnel," it added.

According to the document, the first diplomats to return would be assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon, although staffing levels there would remain below full capacity.

The report said staffing would eventually return to full levels at U.S. embassies in Israel, Jordan and Oman.

Meanwhile, U.S. diplomatic missions in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Lebanon would initially operate at 85% of their normal staffing levels, while missions in Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain would be capped at 75%, according to the document.

The reduction in diplomatic staffing began in February, when Washington authorised the voluntary departure of non-essential personnel and family members from Israel amid heightened tensions with Iran.



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