Akshay DidwaniyaAmerican diplomats are pulling out of Middle East postings amid growing disorder, CNN reports, citing sources familiar with the matter.
American diplomats are leaving several Middle East postings in an atmosphere of chaos. CNN reported this, citing people familiar with the situation.
US Pulls Back Staff Across the Region
On Thursday, NBC reported that the United States is gradually withdrawing military and diplomatic staff from Middle Eastern countries. The move echoes a similar pullout during the early stages of the Iran conflict back in February.
Diplomats Call It a Frustrating Repeat
According to the broadcaster’s report, the departures feel like an unwelcome rerun for many. Several staffers had only just returned to their posts after being ordered out mid conflict with Iran.
One US diplomat said calling the situation chaotic would be putting it mildly. He explained that the State Department simply doesn’t provide enough financial support to cover a full family’s evacuation costs. The last time American diplomats fled the region in a hurry, they had to scramble to find new schools and housing for their kids. CNN notes that many now face the exact same scramble again. A source based in Amman summed up the feeling in blunt terms: “It feels like Groundhog Day.”
Staff Say Communication Has Broken Down
Another source complained about serious disorganization in how State Department headquarters communicates with employees on the ground. Many staffers reportedly learn they need to leave not from their own superiors, but from news reports instead.
Intelligence Points to Rising Threat from Iran
CNN cited an internal memo dated October 23 and addressed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The memo reportedly states that US intelligence believes Tehran has stepped up planning for potential attacks on American personnel.
Embassy Staffing Limits Are Being Adjusted
Sources told CNN that the State Department is also revising staffing caps at several Middle East embassies. The list includes missions in Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and Lebanon. An unnamed State Department official confirmed temporary staffing changes are coming to all these countries except Kuwait and Bahrain.
Officials Push Back on Some Claims
CENTCOM spokesman Timothy Hawkins previously said these kinds of staffing adjustments happen routinely. He described them as a normal part of keeping missions prepared and flexible.
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott earlier confirmed that some staff had been pulled from the US embassy in Saudi Arabia. However, he pushed back on media reports suggesting a similar evacuation order was being prepared for other embassies across the Gulf region, calling those claims inaccurate.
Aditya Didwaniya
Mayur Mohta