The U.S. State Department is preparing to send diplomats back to Middle East embassies as early as this week, scaling back emergency measures imposed during the conflict with Iran, according to an internal document cited by the New York Times.
Missions in Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Iraq and Kuwait are expected to restore higher staffing levels, with the first returning officers assigned to the U.S. embassy in Beirut. Initial deployments will remain below full capacity: posts in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Lebanon will operate at 85 percent of normal staffing, while missions in Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain will be limited to 75 percent.
The drawdown began in February when Washington authorized voluntary departures of non-emergency personnel and family members from Israel amid rising tensions. The return comes as negotiations over extending a 60-day U.S.-Iran ceasefire have stalled.