US State Department increases staffing levels at Middle East embassies and missions

The US State Department is increasing staff at diplomatic posts in the Middle East, according to an official. The New York Times previously reported that Washington is sending diplomats back to embassies that were evacuated before and during the Iran war. This staffing increase may commence as early as this week, signaling a potential shift in US expectations about the conflict.

Embassies in Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Iraq, and Kuwait are among those set to see higher staffing levels. A State Department representative stated that the department routinely assesses the security situation at US diplomatic missions globally and is adjusting its staffing approach at certain Middle Eastern posts to maintain US foreign policy goals while safeguarding personnel safety.

As with all decisions regarding authorized departures or ordered departures, they are based on evolving security conditions, with personnel safety as the top priority. During the Iran war, which began on February 28 under President Donald Trump, the State Department reduced staffing across the region, and embassies faced attacks from Iran and Iran-aligned groups.