Jennifer Hansler/CNN – The U.S. State Department is asking U.S. embassies in the Middle East to prepare plans to continue operating with reduced staffing, as the war with Iran shows no signs of ending and a quick return to normalcy in the region is not expected.
According to sources cited by CNN, the plans are not yet finalized, and it is unclear whether they will be applied to all posts already reduced in staffing. Meanwhile, evacuated staff are increasingly being given the option to terminate their assignments early. The State Department, while not providing specifics, confirmed that it is constantly reviewing security and staffing levels at every diplomatic mission.
After the conflict began, Washington ordered the departure of non-essential staff and their families from nearly all diplomatic posts in the region. Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have been placed under orderly evacuation, while Kuwait completely suspended operations in March, only resuming emergency services for American citizens at the end of June. Oman, however, remains under authorized departure.
The situation has left diplomats and families in a state of great uncertainty for months, between temporary accommodations in the United States, housing difficulties, and problems related to their children’s schooling. Many have left behind nearly all their belongings and the support networks they have built over the years. A family source quoted by CNN describes a climate of profound sadness and a growing awareness that a return to their original locations may never happen.
According to internal State Department rules, orderly evacuation status cannot exceed 180 days. After this limit, locations that cannot return to normal operations are placed under “restricted operations” status, with strict limits on the number of personnel present in the country. For missions in the Middle East, this would likely mean the non-return of children and many spouses, as well as a much reduced American diplomatic presence on the ground.
The article also highlights the operational consequences of this choice. Former diplomats warn that fewer personnel on the ground means a reduced ability to closely monitor local political developments, rapidly assist American citizens abroad, and effectively advocate for Washington’s interests. According to former Ambassador John Bass, a regime of restricted operations could last months, if not years.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain stalled: the temporary understanding between the United States and Iran has collapsed, renewed attacks were exchanged at the end of July, and an agreement to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz has yet to be reached.
The Global Eye is in partnership with SIOI – Società Italiana per l’Organizzazione Internazionale
