The U.S. State Department has instructed American embassies across the Middle East to prepare for an extended period of operations with reduced staffing, according to reports published Wednesday.The move comes as the conflict between the United States and Iran continues, with diplomatic efforts to restore a temporary peace agreement currently stalled. Iranian officials said Wednesday that negotiations with Washington have made no progress, while both sides continue to accuse each other of violating previous commitments.
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Reuters

The staffing plans do not necessarily mean the U.S. is preparing to close all of its embassies or immediately evacuate diplomats. Instead, they indicate that Washington expects security conditions in parts of the region could remain difficult for an extended period.

Several U.S. diplomatic facilities in the Middle East have already operated with reduced personnel during the conflict. Earlier drawdowns brought the number of U.S. embassies and consulates operating with reduced staffing to 10, according to the Associated Press.The latest order is nevertheless significant because diplomatic missions are now being asked to prepare for long-term reduced operations, rather than treating the current situation as a short-term emergency.

With U.S.-Iran negotiations stalled and tensions continuing across the region, Washington’s latest move suggests officials are preparing for the possibility that the conflict and its security consequences could continue for weeks or longer.