The United States has started returning personnel to several Middle East embassies that were earlier evacuated due to escalating tensions with Iran, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Diplomatic missions in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Lebanon will initially operate at a maximum of 85% of their authorized staffing levels, while those in Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain will be limited to 75%. Embassies in Israel, Jordan and Oman are expected to return to full capacity in due course.
The phased re-staffing reflects a U.S. assessment that the immediate risk of further escalation with Iran has diminished, though the State Department cautioned that personnel decisions remain contingent on evolving security conditions. Family members are also permitted to return to the diplomatic mission in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Washington first authorized the voluntary departure of non-essential personnel and their families from Israel in February amid heightened regional tensions. The State Department has since reviewed security assessments globally and adjusted staffing levels accordingly, prioritizing the safety of employees and dependents while maintaining foreign policy operations.
Two individuals with direct knowledge of the matter confirmed the developments to Reuters, while The New York Times previously reported on the return using an internal document. The State Department declined to comment beyond its standard policy review process.
The move follows a period of reduced diplomatic presence across multiple regional missions, including Baghdad, where staffing levels had been significantly curtailed. The gradual restoration of personnel signals a cautious but deliberate shift in Washington’s operational posture in the region.
