U.S. prepares to return Mideast diplomats evacuated before Iran war; first to Lebanon, full staffing for Israel, Jordan, Oman

The U.S. State Department is preparing to return diplomats to embassies in the Middle East that were evacuated before and during the war with Iran. The return of Foreign Service officers and the scaling back of emergency measures could begin as early as this week, according to a report by the New York Times.²⁶⁷

The first diplomats to return will be assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon, although staffing there will remain below full levels. Ultimately, full staffing is expected for embassies in Israel, Jordan, and Oman, while other posts will operate at reduced levels. Specifically, missions in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Lebanon will initially be capped at 85 percent staffing, while those in Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain will be limited to 75 percent.³⁴⁵

The staff reductions began in February when Washington authorized voluntary departures of non-emergency personnel and family members from Israel amid rising tensions with Iran. In a statement, the State Department noted it is “continuously reviewing the security posture at our diplomatic missions around the world.” The adjustments aim to ensure the advancement of U.S. foreign policy objectives while safeguarding personnel.

The report highlights a significant shift in U.S. diplomatic strategy in the region, reflecting a response to evolving security assessments and the need for a robust diplomatic presence in the Middle East.