Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The US is beginning to restore its diplomatic presence across the Middle East after pulling staff and families out during the height of tensions with Iran. The move indicates Washington sees a reduced risk of the conflict escalating in the immediate future. According to news agency Reuters, personnel are being sent back to several US diplomatic missions that were evacuated or scaled back during the crisis, including posts in Lebanon, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Baghdad, Iraq.
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Family members will also be allowed to return to the US diplomatic post in Riyadh, the sources told Reuters. The return will not immediately restore all missions to their previous strength. Some embassies are expected to operate with no more than 85 per cent of their authorised staffing levels initially.
The New York Times earlier reported that diplomats could begin returning as early as this week, citing an internal document. It said emergency measures at several US missions were also being eased.
Under the reported plan, US embassies in Israel, Jordan and Oman would eventually return to full staffing. Missions in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Lebanon would initially be capped at 85 per cent, while posts in Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain would operate at up to 75 per cent of authorised personnel.
SECURITY REMAINS A KEY CONCERN
The State Department said staffing levels at US diplomatic missions are continually reviewed as security conditions change.
A department spokesperson told Reuters in an emailed statement that Washington adjusts its diplomatic posture based on the latest security assessments, with the safety of employees and their families remaining the “top priority” while the US continues to pursue its foreign policy objectives.
The latest move follows months of heightened tensions involving Iran and the US. Washington began reducing its diplomatic presence in February, when it authorised voluntary departures of non-emergency personnel and family members from Israel amid growing concerns over a possible escalation.
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With inputs from Reuters
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
