Report: U.S. prepares to return Mideast diplomats evacuated before Iran war, signaling renewed fighting is unlikely

The U.S. State Department is preparing to bring diplomats back to embassies across the Middle East that were evacuated prior to and during the Iran war, according to a New York Times report. The move, which could commence as early as this week, follows a reduction in emergency measures at U.S. missions in the region, the report adds.

Countries set to see an increase in staffing include Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Iraq, and Kuwait. The decision comes after the State Department continuously reviews the security situation at diplomatic missions worldwide, as stated in a recent statement. The first diplomats to return will be stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon, although staffing levels will remain below full capacity.

Eventually, full staffing will be restored at U.S. embassies in Israel, Jordan, and Oman. Initial staffing will be capped at 85 percent at posts in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Lebanon, while missions in Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain will be limited to 75 percent, based on the document. Staff reductions began in February when Washington authorized voluntary departures of non-emergency personnel and their families from Israel amid tensions with Iran.