The US State Department is preparing to return diplomats to Middle East embassies that were evacuated before and during the war with Iran. Foreign Service officers could begin returning to their posts as early as the week of August 25, 2026.

Emergency measures introduced at US diplomatic missions across the region could begin to be scaled back as part of the planned reintegration. The drawdown of personnel began after the US and Israel launched their military campaign against Iran on February 28, 2026.

Washington ordered nonemergency personnel and family members to leave missions in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates as the conflict intensified. Israel and Lebanon had already been operating under departure arrangements before the wider regional drawdown.

What's New

A US State Department spokesperson stated that the department continuously reviews the security posture of its diplomatic missions worldwide and adjusts staffing levels based on its latest assessments. The spokesperson added that staffing decisions are driven by evolving security conditions, with the safety of employees and their families remaining the top priority, while advancing US foreign policy goals.

US embassies in Israel, Jordan, and Oman would ultimately return to full staffing levels. Missions in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Lebanon would initially be capped at 85% staffing. Posts in Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain would be limited to 75% staffing. Family members will be allowed to return to the US post in Riyadh.

Why It Matters

The return of diplomats marks a shift in the operational status of US missions following the military campaign that began in February 2026. The phased approach to restaffing reflects varying security assessments across different countries in the region, with some posts reaching full capacity while others remain partially staffed.

The decision to allow family members to return to specific locations such as Riyadh indicates a stabilization of conditions in certain areas. The State Department's emphasis on continuous review suggests that staffing levels may adjust further as security conditions evolve in the coming months.