U.S. diplomats and some family members are beginning to return to American embassies in the Middle East, six months after many were ordered to leave amid the war with Iran.

Axar.az reports, citing the Associated Press, that the State Department has begun lifting some staffing restrictions, allowing personnel and families to return to posts in countries including Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Israel and Lebanon.

The changes are largely driven by personnel rules limiting how long diplomats can remain away from their posts while continuing to receive housing and other benefits, rather than by a shift in the Trump administration's policy toward Iran.

The State Department has introduced a “restricted operations” status to allow affected embassies to resume normal functions while determining staffing and family presence on a case-by-case basis.

“We remain committed to supporting our workforce and their families throughout this process and will provide updates through appropriate channels as decisions are made,” the department said.

Several U.S. embassies in the region had been placed under “ordered departure” or “authorized departure” status in March as Iran retaliated against U.S. and Israeli attacks by targeting American interests in the region.