US prepares to send diplomats back to Middle East embassies after Iran war evacuations, Lebanon to be among the first

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 Tuesday, citing an internal State Department document.

The return of Foreign Service officers and the easing of emergency measures at U.S. diplomatic missions in the region could begin as early as this week, according to the newspaper. The move comes as diplomatic efforts to resolve the regional conflict, which began Feb. 28 with an Israeli-American offensive against Iran, remain stalled.

Embassies slated to increase staffing include those in Lebanon, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Iraq and Kuwait, the New York Times reported. The first diplomats to return are expected to be assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon, although staffing there would initially remain below normal levels.

In a statement quoted by the newspaper, 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,” the statement said.

Lebanon among the first to be affected

Staffing at U.S. missions in Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar would initially be capped at 85% of normal levels, while missions in Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain would operate at no more than 75% of normal staffing.

Staffing levels at U.S. embassies in Israel, Jordan and Oman are eventually expected to return to normal, according to the newspaper.

The reduction of U.S. diplomatic staffing in the region began in February, when Washington authorized the voluntary departure of nonessential personnel and family members from Israel amid rising tensions with Iran. Earlier that month, the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon had also ordered the departure of nonessential staff and family members because of the “security situation in Beirut.”

Reuters was unable to immediately verify the report, and the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours.