The United States is seeking plans to keep its embassies operating with reduced staffing in the Middle East, where the war with Iran is ongoing.
The US Department of State said the plans have not yet been finalized. The department also said it is not currently known whether reduced staffing will be implemented at all embassies.
Security conditions determine staffing levels
The department said it continually assesses the security and staffing situation at diplomatic missions in the region based on conditions on the ground. Staffing levels are adjusted in line with these assessments.
A department spokesperson did not comment on internal assessments or contingency planning for specific missions. The spokesperson said the safety and security of personnel and their families are the priority. Decisions regarding the status of missions are made in coordination with Washington, taking various security and operational factors into account.

Nonessential personnel and families had been withdrawn
After the war began in late February, the US Department of State had asked nonessential personnel and family members to leave nearly all diplomatic missions in the region.
Plans to operate with reduced staffing indicate that the United States does not expect to return to normal staffing levels at its diplomatic missions in the region soon. However, a final decision has not yet been made on which embassies the plans will cover.