Story perspectives

U.S. Cuts Experts, Threatens Safety Amid Hormuz Crisis

3/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs has been reduced and oil and gas experts fired, impairing response after Strait of Hormuz closure.
The Pentagon cut offices that would investigate a strike on an Iranian school that killed 165 people.
Since U.S. President Donald Trump took office, over 380,000 federal employees have left.
Max Stier, president of the Partnership for Public Service, says experts are undervalued, risking safety.

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Story summary

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs has been reduced and oil and gas experts fired, impairing response after Strait of Hormuz closure.
The Pentagon cut offices that would investigate a strike on an Iranian school that killed 165 people.
Since U.S. President Donald Trump took office, over 380,000 federal employees have left.
Max Stier, president of the Partnership for Public Service, says experts are undervalued, risking safety.