US to redeploy Middle East diplomats with staged staffing

The U.S. State Department plans to redeploy Foreign Service officers to Middle East embassies evacuated during and before the Iran war, according to an internal document cited by the New York Times. The return could begin as early as this week, with staffing gradually restored at posts in Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, and Qatar, while others such as Lebanon initially operate below full levels. Lebanon is expected to see staff return at reduced levels first, with full restoration anticipated for Israel, Jordan, and Oman over time; Gulf posts are capped at about 85% while Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain run about 75%. The State Department said it continuously reviews security posture and adjusts staffing to advance U.S. foreign policy objectives while protecting personnel. Some reports interpret the move as a signal that Washington does not anticipate a near-term escalation in the conflict, though details vary by outlet. Reuters corroborates the planning to reinstate diplomats to evacuated embassies as part of a broader rollback of emergency measures.