U.S. intelligence warns that Iranian plots to kill American personnel have reached advanced stages, prompting a sweeping staff drawdown at four Middle East embassies. The alert, delivered in a memo from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, underscores a rapid escalation in Tehran’s hostile activity.
Intelligence Warning Triggers Embassy Drawdown
Clayton wrote that Iran has substantially increased efforts to target U.S. personnel through multiple channels. He said lethal plotting against U.S. citizens is now in advanced stages across the Middle East and other regions, according to a Politico‑obtained memo.
The State Department ordered non‑emergency staff and all family members out of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, while reducing staff at embassies in Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to restricted‑operations status, per the Associated Press. Personnel at those posts remain on site, distinguishing the moves from the mandatory departures in Saudi Arabia.
Houthi attacks have opened a new front in the regional conflict, with the Saudi‑led coalition intercepting two ballistic missiles aimed at Taif and Yanbu on Saturday. The rebels also claimed strikes on oil facilities, airports and military sites, though Saudi officials have not confirmed all targets were hit.
Clayton warned that the intelligence on Iranian plans is relevant to a broader audience than currently cleared officials, and the intelligence community will work to declassify where possible to inform State Department personnel at risk. No specific targets or imminent attack dates were disclosed in the memo.
President Trump paused new attacks on Iran earlier this month but warned that further action remains on the table, saying at a rally in Fort Myers that “we may do another little Epic Fury” if Tehran does not comply with demands. He argued that Iran would quickly agree to a deal if it were “smart,” but expressed doubt that Tehran would negotiate.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned in a Financial Times op‑ed that further escalation could endanger civilians, regional stability and the global economy. Tehran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amir Moghadam, said Iran remains open to negotiations under the June Pakistan‑brokered interim agreement and has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. lifts its naval blockade, a proposal the Trump administration rejected.
