The U.S. State Department has ordered American diplomatic missions throughout the Middle East to reduce their presence and prepare contingency plans for operating with skeleton staff, according to American reports.
The directive comes amid growing concerns about a potential return to hostilities with Iran or even the possibility of a surprise Iranian attack. Embassies in the region have been instructed to develop frameworks for functioning with drastically reduced personnel, potentially down to minimal levels.
The State Department is also offering diplomats and ambassadors currently serving in the region the option to cut short their assignments, anticipating that any evacuation from the area could last for months or longer if fighting resumes.
