Iranupdated 50m ago2 min read
Iran Substantially Increases Efforts To Target U.S. Personnel Abroad, DNI Warns
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Iran substantially increased efforts to target U.S. personnel overseas; plots reaching advanced stages. DNI memo delivered to Secretary of State Rubio detailing elevated Iranian threats.
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Plots reach advanced stages
Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton warned that Iran has "substantially increased efforts to target U.S. personnel" abroad, with plots to kill Americans reaching "advanced stages" in the Middle East and other countries. Clayton delivered the warning in an unclassified memo sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with CIA Director John Ratcliffe copied, and the memo did not identify specific targets or countries where the alleged plots were underway. The State Department ordered non-essential U.S. embassy personnel and their families to depart Saudi Arabia, and other missions adjusted staffing under "restricted operations" status.
A U.S. official told CBS News that "The threat of Houthi attacks and of Iranian terror plots targeting U.S. officials are informing our decisions" on embassy staffing adjustments. President Donald Trump said at a campaign rally in Florida that the United States could launch another operation against Iran, saying, "We may do another little Epic Fury, or they'll agree."
Embassy staffing and alerts
U.S. embassy officials tightened security as a memo from Clayton warned agencies had received intelligence that Iran had "substantially increased efforts to target U.S. personnel" in the region. The State Department ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia, while other embassies adjusted staffing under "restricted operations" status that reduced personnel without a formal ordered departure. A U.S. official explained the staffing decision by saying, "We continually assess new security information," and the official added that "The threat of Houthi attacks and Iran's terrorist plots to target American officials play a role".
The embassies in Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates remained open under restricted operations. U.S. officials said the threats were related to the staffing changes and that the danger was assessed at the highest level since the war began in February.
Regional stakes and next steps
The warning about Iranian plotting came as the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis said it destroyed two ballistic missiles fired by the group Saturday, aimed towards Taif and Yanbu. The Trump administration weighed resuming military strikes against Iran, and the memo did not indicate whether attacks may be imminent. The memo did not identify specific targets, countries or operational details, while Clayton offered to lower the classification level of sensitive intelligence so Rubio could circulate warnings more widely.
U.S. officials said the threats from Iran and Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels were linked to the staffing changes, and officials denied the drawdowns were tied to preparations for new strikes. The intelligence warnings, diplomatic staffing reductions and Trump’s remarks added to concerns about a possible renewal of direct conflict, as Washington and Tehran remained in a tense standoff.