By Sunday Ameh
The United States has directed its embassies across the Middle East to prepare contingency plans for operating with reduced staff, amid concerns that the conflict with Iran could continue or escalate.
The US State Department is asking diplomatic missions in the region to make plans for an extended period with only essential personnel on the ground, sources told Newsmen.
The development comes as efforts to revive an interim US-Iran peace arrangement have stalled, with both sides yet to agree on key issues, including the status of the Strait of Hormuz.
The planned reduction in diplomatic staffing is reportedly aimed at safeguarding American personnel while allowing embassies to maintain essential operations during the heightened security situation.
The US has previously reduced staffing at several diplomatic missions in the region following attacks and security threats linked to the conflict.
The latest directive has further heightened concerns that Washington is preparing for the possibility of renewed or prolonged military confrontation with Tehran.
The move comes as tensions remain high across the Middle East, with Washington continuing to assess the security of its diplomatic personnel and American citizens in the region.
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