US diplomats begin phased return to Middle East embassies after Iran war exodus

Washington,UPDATED: Aug 29, 2026 02:22 IST

American diplomats and at least some of their family members are beginning to return to US embassies in the Middle East after many were told to leave in the early days of the war with Iran. From this week, the State Department has started lifting some staffing and other restrictions, although most embassies will not return to full strength immediately.

The move does not necessarily signal a change in the Trump administration's approach to Iran, which is now focused on economic measures rather than direct military action. Instead, the changes are largely linked to human resources rules that limit how long diplomats can stay away from their posts while continuing to receive pay and benefits for themselves and their families.

On Friday, as the war with Iran reached the six-month mark, US embassies in Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain said diplomats' family members would be allowed to return. In Bahrain and Kuwait, this applies only to those older than 18. Earlier in the week, all family members of US government employees in Israel, as well as family members over 21 of those working in Lebanon, were also cleared to return.

These embassies were placed on ordered departure or authorised departure status in March, when Iran began retaliating for US and Israeli attacks by targeting US interests, including embassies and military facilities, and creating chaotic situations in countries across the region. Under ordered departure, all non-essential personnel and families must leave the country. Under authorised departure, non-essential staff and their families may leave.

Those arrangements are subject to time limits, and the six-month period was beginning to run out. That meant affected diplomats and their families stood to lose housing and other benefits, creating significant hardship for the workforce. To address this, the State Department created a new category called restricted operations, aimed at allowing embassies to resume normal functions. Under this system, each embassy will decide on staffing, the presence of family members, and pay and benefits on a case-by-case basis.

Diplomats and their families were ordered to leave embassies in five other countries in the region early in the war, and status changes at some of those posts were also expected soon. "We remain committed to supporting our workforce and their families throughout this process and will provide updates through appropriate channels as decisions are made," the department said. Overall, the changes mark a phased return of diplomats and some family members to several US missions in the region as earlier evacuation rules reach their limit.

With PTI Inputs

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