US State Department Boosts Diplomatic Staffing Across Middle East Missions

The US State Department is adjusting its staffing levels at diplomatic postings in the Middle East, an official announced on Tuesday. According to an earlier report by The New York Times, Washington is preparing to send diplomats back to embassies in the region that were evacuated prior to and during the conflict with Iran.

The return of Foreign Service officers and the scaling back of emergency measures at US missions could commence as early as this week, the report noted. This strategic shift may indicate that the US does not anticipate an immediate return to all-out war with Iran.

Citing an internal document, The New York Times stated that embassies scheduled for increased staffing include those located in Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Iraq, and Kuwait.

In a statement provided to The National, a State Department representative emphasized that the department continuously evaluates the security posture at all US diplomatic missions globally. "Based on our latest assessment, we are adjusting our staffing posture at certain posts in the Middle East to ensure we can continue advancing US foreign policy objectives while protecting the safety and security of our personnel," the official stated.

"As always, decisions regarding AD [authorised departures] or OD [ordered departures] are based on evolving security conditions and are made with the safety of our personnel and their families as our highest priority."

Throughout the course of the Iran war, initiated by President Donald Trump alongside Israel on February 28, the State Department decreased staffing across the region, while various embassies faced attacks from Iran and Iran-aligned groups. Compound facilities, including those in Baghdad, Riyadh, and Kuwait, have faced repeated gunfire and impacts.