US diplomats and family members slowly begin to return to the Mideast embassies

American diplomats and family members are gradually returning to U.S. embassies in the Middle East following earlier orders to evacuate during the Iran war. The U.S. State Department is lifting certain staffing and personnel restrictions to enable this gradual return. Embassies in Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain have allowed diplomats' family members to return, with the latter applying to those aged 18 and above.

In Israel and Lebanon, all family members of U.S. government employees are permitted to return, provided they are over 21. Embassies in another five countries had already seen their staff and families ordered to leave during the early stages of the war. The State Department has introduced a new "restricted operations" status to facilitate the resumption of normal embassy functions, with each case being assessed individually for staffing, family presence, and payment and benefits.