US Diplomatic Missions in Middle East May Begin Returning Diplomats as Early as This Week

August 25 news, the US State Department is preparing to return diplomats to Middle East embassies that were evacuated before and during the Iran war, signaling that the Trump administration expects full-scale hostilities will not resume. According to an internal State Department document obtained by The New York Times, US diplomatic missions in the Middle East may begin returning diplomats as early as this week, gradually scaling back emergency measures previously implemented. Three US officials also confirmed the adjustments. The document shows that embassies planned to restore higher staffing levels include those in Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Iraq, and Kuwait. Current and former State Department officials said the redeployment of diplomatic personnel indicates tensions are easing, although negotiations between the US and Iran over extending the 60-day ceasefire agreement that expired last week have stalled.