Fear of escalation grows: US reduces diplomatic presence in the region

The US is reducing its diplomatic presence in the Middle East: the State Department has ordered non-essential staff and their families to leave Saudi Arabia, while also reducing personnel at embassies in Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and Lebanon, amid escalating Houthi attacks and fears of regional escalation.

The United States is quietly reducing its diplomatic presence in the Middle East amid fears of regional escalation. The State Department has ordered non-essential staff and their families to leave Saudi Arabia, while simultaneously reducing personnel at embassies in Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Lebanon. This was reported by CNN, citing several sources familiar with the details. The decisions come against the backdrop of escalating attacks by Iran-backed Houthis against Saudi Arabia, as well as comments by US President Donald Trump that he may resume strikes against Iran after the midterm elections. Sources told CNN that Israel has been working with Washington to try to promote more immediate action, but so far without success. The move has caused frustration among diplomat families, many of whom were required to leave the region at the start of the war with Iran and only recently returned to their homes. An American diplomat told CNN that the financial assistance offered so far does not cover the costs of relocating the entire family from the region.