The State Department is preparing to send U.S. diplomats back to embassies in the Middle East that were evacuated before and during the war with Iran, suggesting the Trump administration does not anticipate a return to all-out hostilities. The return of foreign service officers and scaling back of emergency measures could begin this week, according to an internal State Department document obtained by The Times. Embassies slated to restore higher staffing include those in Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Iraq and Kuwait.

The first diplomats to return will be at the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon, with staff ultimately returning fully to embassies in Israel, Jordan and Oman. Posts in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Lebanon will initially cap staffing at 85 percent, and posts in Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain at 75 percent. Restrictions on bringing family members will remain in the six Gulf countries and Lebanon.

Officials said the move signals easing tensions despite stalled talks with Iran over extending a 60-day cease-fire that expired last week. Dan Shapiro, former U.S. ambassador to Israel, said returning personnel suggests the administration believes the war is winding down. John R.

Bass, former under secretary of state for management, noted family limits indicate elevated risk remains but less than during peak conflict. Some evacuated diplomats had sought clarity on reassignments, particularly those with children needing school placements. The State Department stated it continuously reviews security posture and is adjusting staffing to advance U.S. foreign policy while protecting personnel.