US starts returning staff to Middle East missions after Iran war evacuations, sources say

The US administration is beginning to reintroduce staff to diplomatic missions in the Middle East that were evacuated or downsized due to tensions with Iran, according to sources. These missions are located in Lebanon, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Baghdad, Iraq. Family members will be permitted to return to the US embassy in Riyadh.

This move indicates Washington's belief that the risk of a conflict with Iran escalating in the near term is lower. However, some embassies will initially operate at reduced capacity, with staff levels capped at 85%. The return of staff is expected to begin as early as this week. The US State Department has stated that they continuously review the security posture of their diplomatic missions worldwide and are adjusting their staffing at certain posts in the Middle East to continue advancing US foreign policy objectives while ensuring the safety and security of personnel.

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