US diplomats and family members slowly begin to return to the Mideast embassies

American diplomats and at least some of their family members are slowly beginning to return to U.S. embassies across the Middle East. The phased returns mark a shift from earlier directives that required personnel to evacuate their posts during the early days of the conflict.

Despite the ongoing repatriation efforts, the diplomatic missions are not yet returning to full operational strength. The initial departures were triggered by the outbreak of the war with Iran, prompting mandatory safety orders for personnel stationed in the region.