US to return diplomats to Middle East embassies after Iran war evacuations

The United States is preparing to send diplomats back to several embassies in the Middle East that were evacuated or downsized during the recent war with Iran, according to reports citing an internal State Department document. The move, which could begin as early as this week, signals that Washington believes the immediate threat of renewed full-scale hostilities has diminished, though officials caution that the risk has not disappeared entirely.

The redeployment is planned for diplomatic posts in Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Iraq, and Kuwait. According to the document, the first Foreign Service officers will return to the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon, though it will not immediately resume full staffing. Ultimately, missions in Israel, Jordan, and Oman are expected to return to full capacity. Posts in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Lebanon will initially operate at up to 85 percent of their authorized staffing levels, while embassies in Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain will be limited to 75 percent.

The State Department said it "continuously reviews the security posture at our diplomatic missions around the world. Based on our latest assessment, we...