The US is preparing to return diplomats to several Middle Eastern embassies that had been partially evacuated during its conflict with Iran, according to a Tuesday New York Times report, indicating Washington does not foresee an imminent resumption of full-scale hostilities.
An internal State Department document seen by the paper shows that the redeployment of Foreign Service officers and the relaxation of emergency measures could commence this week, even as US‑Iran negotiations remain stalled and Washington threatens new economic sanctions.
Embassies in Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Iraq and Kuwait are slated to see increased staffing levels.
The State Department noted that it “continuously reviews the security posture of our diplomatic missions worldwide. Based on our latest assessment, we are adjusting staffing at selected Middle Eastern posts to keep advancing U.S. foreign policy goals while safeguarding our personnel.”
The document indicates that diplomats will first return to the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon, though full staffing will not be restored immediately. Ultimately, staffing levels are expected to return to normal in Israel, Jordan and Oman.
Diplomatic missions in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Lebanon will initially operate at up to 85 % of normal staffing, while those in Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain will staff at about 75 %. Restrictions on accompanying family members will remain in effect at Gulf posts and in Lebanon.
“Returning personnel to missions that were only partially evacuated suggests the administration believes the conflict is de‑escalating,” said Dan Shapiro, former U.S. ambassador to Israel.
John R. Bass, a former senior State Department official, added: “The continued limits on family members in the Gulf indicate that the government still perceives an elevated risk.”
Former officials warned that the redeployment does not preclude the possibility of renewed military action.
“Bringing embassy staff back does not constrain the administration’s ability to act against Iran in the future,” said Robert Danin, former deputy assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs.
“They have done it before,” he noted, referring to earlier evacuations. “They can do it again.”
