The U.S. State Department is preparing to return some diplomatic personnel evacuated during the U.S.-Iran war to Middle East embassies and consulates, with the first staff potentially resuming duties as early as this week. Missions in Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Iraq and Kuwait are expected to increase staffing, and some plan to return to full strength. Analysts say the move may indicate the Trump administration believes the conflict is nearing its end, although keeping diplomats' families from returning suggests security conditions remain more dangerous than before the war. Qatar's Foreign Ministry said Qatar and Pakistan are still working to restart U.S.-Iran negotiations, with officials from both countries communicating with relevant parties almost daily. Qatar called diplomacy the "only way out" of the crisis. Pakistan's army chief recently visited Tehran and met senior Iranian officials to discuss preventing further escalation, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the war. Qatar also urged Iran to restore free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and said it would not reach a separate agreement with Iran to guarantee energy transport.