The United States is reducing staffing at four diplomatic missions in the Middle East after intelligence reports warned of increased threats to American personnel, the Associated Press reported Saturday.

The affected U.S. embassies are in Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The facilities remain open under restricted operations, and the staffing changes do not require all personnel to leave.

According to the report, U.S. intelligence officials raised concerns about Iranian efforts to target American personnel, alongside threats linked to Iran-backed Houthi forces. The State Department initially highlighted increased Houthi threats when announcing the measures.

Officials have denied that the staffing reductions are connected to plans for potential new U.S. or Israeli strikes against Iran. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to restart negotiations with Tehran continue amid heightened regional tensions.

The decision underscores growing security concerns for U.S. diplomatic personnel across the Middle East. The developments could also affect consular services, regional travel planning and diplomatic operations as Washington assesses the evolving threat environment.

The situation remains fluid, and further changes to embassy operations may depend on security assessments.