Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain allow diplomats’ family members to return
WASHINGTON — The State Department has begun lifting certain staffing and operational restrictions at U.S. embassies across the Middle East, allowing American diplomats and at least some of their family members to return to posts they were ordered to leave during the early days of the war with Iran.
The personnel moves are driven primarily by federal human resources policy, the State Department said. That policy limits the time diplomats may be away from post while still being paid and collecting benefits for themselves and their families.
The State Department said the changes are not necessarily reflective of a shift in the Trump administration’s policy toward Iran. The administration’s approach has moved toward economic rather than kinetic military warfare, according to the department.
Most embassies are not returning to full strength immediately. Beginning this week, however, the State Department has started easing specific restrictions on personnel, allowing some diplomats and family members to resume their assignments.
On Friday — the day the war with Iran hit its six-month mark — embassies in Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain announced they would allow diplomats’ family members to return. In Bahrain and Kuwait, the authorization applies only to family members older than 18.