The latest

The State Department is preparing to return U.S. diplomats to Middle East embassies evacuated before and during the war with Iran, with redeployments and a rollback of emergency measures potentially beginning this week. An internal department document and three U.S. officials described plans covering missions across the region. The department said it continually reviews security at diplomatic posts and is adjusting staffing to advance U.S. foreign policy objectives while protecting personnel. The move suggests the Trump administration does not expect an imminent return to all-out hostilities, even as negotiations with Tehran have floundered.

Details

• Beirut Returns First: The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon will receive the first returning diplomats, although it will not regain full staffing under the plan. Missions in Israel, Jordan and Oman are ultimately scheduled to return to full strength, setting them apart from posts where caps will remain.
• Staffing Ceilings: Initial staffing will be capped at 85% in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Lebanon, and at 75% in Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain. Restrictions on bringing family members will remain in the six Gulf countries and Lebanon.
• Evacuation Timeline: In late February, one day before the United States and Israel struck Iran, nonessential embassy personnel in Jerusalem and their relatives were offered government-funded departures. Evacuation orders were subsequently issued for other U.S. missions across the region.
• Regional Attacks: Iran and its regional allies targeted U.S. diplomatic outposts in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq and elsewhere with explosive drones and rockets. A drone and rocket attack struck outside the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone in March, while some diplomats worked from home as a precaution.
• Stalled Diplomacy: The redeployment is proceeding despite faltering U.S.-Iran talks over extending a 60-day cease-fire that expired last week and administration threats of new economic sanctions. Former ambassador Dan Shapiro said returning personnel suggests the administration believes the war is winding down.
• Personnel Decisions: Some evacuated diplomats sought clarity about their future postings, particularly those with children who needed to make school-placement decisions. Robert Danin, a former deputy assistant secretary of state, said returning staff would not prevent future action against Iran or another evacuation.

Between the lines

John R. Bass, a former under secretary of state for management, said continued family restrictions indicate that risks have declined from levels 30, 60 or 90 days ago but remain higher than before the war began.

What’s next

The first diplomats are expected to return to the embassy in Lebanon this week. Implementation will then be measured by full restaffing in Israel, Jordan and Oman and the stated staffing caps at other regional posts.