The State Department is preparing to send diplomats back to U.S. embassies in the Middle East that were evacuated before and during the war with Iran, the New York Times (NYT) reported today, citing an internal State Department document.
The return of Foreign Service officers and the easing of emergency measures at U.S. missions in the region could begin as early as this week, according to the report.
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Reuters has not yet been able to verify the report. The State Department could not be reached for comment outside of regular business hours.
Among the embassies selected to restore higher staffing levels are those in Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Iraq, and Kuwait, according to the report.
In a statement quoted by The New York Times, the State Department said it “is constantly reviewing the security situation at our diplomatic missions around the world.”
“Based on our most recent assessment, we are adjusting our staffing levels at certain posts in the Middle East to ensure that we can continue to advance U.S. foreign policy objectives while protecting the safety of our personnel,” he added.
According to the document, the first diplomats to return will be stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon, although the embassy’s staffing levels will remain below full strength. In essence, the entire staff will return to the U.S. embassies in Israel, Jordan, and Oman, according to the NYT.
Staffing levels in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Lebanon will initially reach 85% of full capacity, while staffing at the missions in Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain will be limited to 75%, according to the document,
Staff reductions began in February, when Washington approved the voluntary withdrawal of non-essential personnel and their family members from Israel amid tensions with Iran.
Source: KYPE
