US diplomats, families begin return to Middle East embassies

American diplomats and their families are starting to return to US embassies in the Middle East following an order to evacuate during the initial stages of the Iran war. The State Department has begun lifting certain restrictions on personnel, which includes allowing diplomats and their families to resume their duties. However, the changes are not indicative of a shift in the Trump administration's policy towards Iran, which is now focused on economic measures rather than military action.

The decision to return is primarily due to legalities surrounding human resources policy, which restricts the duration diplomats can be away from their posts while still receiving pay and benefits. On Friday, embassies in Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain allowed diplomats and their families to return, with the latter two only applying to individuals over 18.

Earlier, all family members of US government employees in Israel and those over 21 in Lebanon were permitted to return. The embassies were initially placed on ordered departure or authorized departure status in March due to Iran retaliating against US and Israeli attacks. The State Department introduced a new status called restricted operations to enable embassies to resume normal functions.

Each affected embassy will determine appropriate staffing, family presence, and pay and benefits on a case-by-case basis. The department remains committed to supporting its workforce and their families throughout this process.