Iranian Plots Against Americans Reach Advanced Stages, Intelligence Chief Says

Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton told federal officials on Friday that Iranian efforts to target American personnel abroad have intensified to a level of "advanced stages." The warning, contained in an unclassified memo, details how Tehran has substantially increased its focus on U.S. citizens in the region and beyond.

Clayton wrote that lethal plotting efforts have reached advanced stages in both the Middle East and certain other countries. The memo was addressed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with CIA Director John Ratcliffe copied on the document. Axios was the first media outlet to report on the contents of the warning.

The intelligence community is currently working to downgrade the classification of sensitive information gathered through various channels. This move aims to allow for wider sharing of data with State Department staff. The document does not name specific targets or countries where the plots are developing, nor does it state whether an attack is imminent.

State Department actions reflect the heightened security environment. Earlier this week, officials ordered non-essential embassy personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia. Several other U.S. embassies in the region have shifted to restricted operations status, a measure that allows them to reduce staffing levels without formally declaring an ordered departure.

A U.S. official said the department constantly evaluates new information about the security environment. The official noted that the threat of Houthi attacks and Iranian terror plots is shaping staffing decisions at these locations. A separate senior military official said the armed forces have been quietly shrinking their presence at Middle East posts due to continuing threats.

Houthi militants, backed by Iran, have carried out attacks on Saudi Arabia targeting oil infrastructure and airports. One strike earlier this month on Riyadh's King Khalid Airport killed people, including a U.S. citizen, and injured hundreds more. Last weekend, embassies in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries took steps in response to these attacks.

President Trump suggested at a campaign rally in Florida on Friday that another military operation could follow if Tehran does not reach an agreement. He referred to the U.S. military campaign launched in February, stating, "We may do another little Epic Fury, or they'll agree."

The administration is weighing whether to resume military strikes against Iran. Although the United States and Iran have avoided striking each other in recent weeks, Trump has not ruled out restarting hostilities after next month's midterm elections. Iran has continued to claim responsibility for attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.