Intelligence Memo: Iran Accelerates Lethal Plots Against U.S. Personnel

Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton issued a formal warning to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday. The unclassified memo states that Iran has substantially increased its efforts to target U.S. personnel overseas. Clayton noted that these lethal plotting efforts have progressed to advanced stages in the Middle East and other countries.

The document, obtained by CBS News and first reported by Axios, does not specify which targets or nations are involved. It also does not indicate that an attack is imminent. CIA Director John Ratcliffe was copied on the communication. Clayton explained that the intelligence community is working to downgrade the classification of sensitive data. This change will allow State Department staff to access more information through various channels.

The warning arrives as the Trump administration considers resuming military strikes against Iran. Security precautions at American diplomatic and military sites in the region have tightened. Earlier this week, the State Department ordered non-essential embassy personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia. Several other U.S. embassies in the region have moved to restricted operations status. This status allows posts to reduce staffing without formally declaring an ordered departure.

A U.S. official told CBS News on Friday that the department constantly evaluates new information about the security environment. The official said Houthi attacks and Iranian terror plots are shaping staffing decisions at embassies on restricted operations. A U.S. official and a senior military official said this week that the military has quietly shrunk its presence at posts in the Middle East due to continuing threats.

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

Although the United States and Iran have avoided direct strikes in recent weeks, President 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. Speaking at a campaign rally in Florida on Friday, Trump suggested another operation could follow if Tehran does not reach an agreement. He said, "We may do another little Epic Fury, or they'll agree," referring to the U.S. military campaign launched in February.

The memo confirms a shift in the threat assessment for Americans abroad. It places the burden on the State Department to adjust personnel levels and security measures accordingly. The intelligence community continues to gather data through various channels to support these decisions.