US diplomats and some family members have begun returning to West Asia embassies six months after leaving during the Iran war. The State Department eased restrictions as departure orders approached their time limits. Officials said the move was driven mainly by personnel rules, while embassies will decide staffing levels based on local security conditions and operations.
American diplomats and some of their family members have begun returning to US embassies in West Asia, six months after many were ordered to leave their posts during the early days of the war with Iran.
Most embassies are not immediately returning to full strength, but the US State Department began lifting some staffing and other restrictions this week. The gradual return suggests a cautious attempt to restore normal diplomatic operations while security concerns in the region remain.
Return Driven by Personnel Rules
The changes do not necessarily signal a shift in the Trump administration's policy towards Iran, which is now focused on economic rather than kinetic military warfare. Instead, they are largely driven by human resources rules that limit how long diplomats can remain away from their posts while continuing to receive pay and benefits for themselves and their families, AP reports.
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