The State Department is asking US embassies in the Middle East to create plans to continue operating with a small number of staff on the ground, sources told CNN, as the war with Iran shows no signs of resolution. This development underscores that the State Department does not expect to return to normal staffing in the region soon amid the looming threat of a full-scale return to war.

Background

The State Department ordered nonemergency personnel and family members to leave almost every diplomatic post in the region shortly after the war began in late February. That has led to nearly six months of uncertainty about whether the posts would be able to return to normal and all diplomats could return.

The plans for “reduced operations,” once finalized, could provide some clarity to US diplomats and their families who have been displaced. However, it will also mean a continued shortage of US diplomats on the ground, which could impact the State Department’s ability to provide quick consular assistance to Americans abroad and to advance the administration’s priorities.

Former diplomats have expressed concerns that having fewer people on the ground could limit the State Department’s ability to promote the US government’s views and work with host governments to solve common problems. The State Department spokesperson disputed the idea that diplomatic efforts by the US have been “limited” by having fewer people on the ground, citing sustained engagement from the highest levels of the administration with partners in the Middle East.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.