*US CUTS STAFF AT 4 MIDEAST EMBASSIES ON HEIGHTENED IRAN THREAT: AP
*US EMBASSIES IN JORDAN, LEBANON, QATAR, UAE PLACED | Hanami
*US CUTS STAFF AT 4 MIDEAST EMBASSIES ON HEIGHTENED IRAN THREAT: AP
*US EMBASSIES IN JORDAN, LEBANON, QATAR, UAE PLACED ON RESTRICTED STATUS
*MIDEAST EMBASSIES TO REMAIN OPEN; DEPARTURES ARE NOT MANDATORY
*US OFFICIALS DENY EMBASSY DRAWDOWN TIED TO PLANNED STRIKES ON IRAN