The U.S. State Department is preparing to return its diplomats to its embassies in the Middle East after evacuating them before and during the war with Iran, indicating that the Trump administration does not expect a return to full-scale hostilities.

An internal document reported by the "New York Times" suggested that the return of diplomatic staff and the reduction of emergency measures taken at U.S. missions in the Middle East could begin this week.

The return of the envoys is scheduled despite stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran, which prompted the Trump administration to impose new economic sanctions.

The embassies expected to have a larger number of staff reassigned, according to the document, include those in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, and Israel.

The State Department stated that it is conducting a "continuous review of the security situation at its diplomatic missions around the world. Based on our recent assessment, we are adjusting the number of our personnel at some missions in the Middle East to ensure we continue to achieve U.S. foreign policy goals while maintaining the safety and security of our staff."

Current and former officials at the U.S. State Department have considered the redistribution of personnel as a sign of easing tensions, despite the halt in talks between the United States and Iran regarding a 60-day ceasefire extension, which ended last week.

Former ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro noted that the return of staff to partially evacuated missions suggests that the administration believes the war is nearing its end.

The document indicates that the first diplomats to return will be at the U.S. embassy in Lebanon, although the plan will not reach full staffing levels. Ultimately, as the documents clarify, staff will fully return to three embassies in Israel, Jordan, and Oman.

The proportion of staff in the missions in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Lebanon will initially be 85%, while in the missions in Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain it will be 75%. The document added that the State Department will impose restrictions on bringing family members to the six Gulf countries and Lebanon.

Two U.S. officials reported that some diplomats who were evacuated due to the war pressed for clarification regarding their postings, especially those with children who need to make decisions about their schooling before the academic year begins. It remains unclear how much this pressure influenced the decision, if at all.

Former State Department officials warned that the return of diplomats and some dependents to the region may indicate the Trump administration's desire to avoid a resurgence of fighting, but it does not guarantee lasting peace.

However, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Robert Danin confirmed that the return of embassy staff does not limit their authority to take action against Iran in the future.