The United States, which is maintaining its diplomatic activities in the Middle East during the ongoing Iran war, has requested preparations for its embassies to operate with limited staff.
The U.S. State Department said the plans have not yet been finalized and that it is currently unclear whether reduced staffing will be implemented at all embassies.
Security conditions determine staffing levels
The department said it continuously evaluates the security situation and staffing needs of diplomatic missions in the region based on conditions on the ground. Staffing levels are adjusted in line with these assessments.
A department spokesperson did not comment on internal assessments or contingency planning for specific missions. The spokesperson said the safety of personnel and their families was the priority, adding that decisions on the status of missions were made in coordination with Washington after taking various security and operational factors into account.

Nonessential personnel and families were evacuated
The U.S. State Department had requested the departure of nonessential personnel and family members from nearly all diplomatic missions in the region after the war began in late February.
Plans to operate with limited staff indicate that the United States does not expect to return to normal staffing levels at its diplomatic missions in the region in the short term. However, a final decision has not yet been made on which embassies will implement the plans.