The US State Department has notified Congress that it plans to close five overseas missions in what would be a rare reduction of America’s global diplomatic presence not tied to a specific geopolitical event, according to people familiar with the notice.

The State Department did not confirm the closures but said it was focused on ensuring that America’s diplomatic footprint was efficient.

The US State Department has notified Congress that it plans to close five foreign missions in a rare downsizing of America's global diplomatic footprint, accord