Iran’s lethal plots against US officials abroad reach ‘advanced stages,’ memo reveals

Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton warned in an unclassified memo sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on October 23 that Iran has "substantially increased efforts to target U.S. personnel," with lethal plots against American citizens reaching "advanced stages" in the Middle East and other countries. In response, the United States has reduced staffing levels at its embassies in Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, though no immediate evacuation orders were issued for these locations. The State Department also ordered non-emergency government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia earlier this week due to intensified attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces. These actions come as Washington evaluates intelligence received through various channels indicating a potential escalation from Tehran if the U.S. resumes large-scale military strikes on Iranian territory. Reuters reported that Iran was preparing for more forceful retaliation in such an event, coinciding with increased maritime threats in the Strait of Hormuz. The State Department has issued updated travel advisories for multiple nations across the Gulf and Middle East regions, pointing to heightened threats posed by Iran-aligned Houthis. These measures reflect a cautious approach amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran over recent conflicts and potential military engagements.