DNI Memo: Iran Advances Plans to Kill U.S. Personnel Abroad

Washington issued a stark warning about the threat facing Americans overseas.

Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton informed Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Iran has substantially increased its efforts to target U.S. personnel. An unclassified memo dated Friday states that these lethal plotting efforts have reached advanced stages. CIA Director John Ratcliffe was copied on the document. Clayton specifically noted that the threats are active in the Middle East and certain other countries. The memo does not name specific targets or identify which nations are currently under threat. It also does not confirm whether an attack is imminent. Clayton added that the intelligence community is working to declassify sensitive information so it can be shared with State Department staff.

This warning arrives as the administration considers resuming military strikes against Iran. The State Department has already ordered non-essential embassy personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia. Several other U.S. embassies in the region have switched to restricted operations status. This status allows them to reduce staff without formally ordering a departure. A U.S. official said the department constantly evaluates new information regarding the security environment. Houthi attacks and Iranian terror plots are shaping staffing decisions at these posts. Military officials also said the U.S. is quietly shrinking its presence at posts in the Middle East due to continuing threats.

Houthi militants backed by Iran have targeted Saudi oil infrastructure and airports. One strike on Riyadh's King Khalid Airport earlier this month killed several people, including a U.S. citizen, and injured hundreds. Last weekend, U.S. embassies in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates took steps in response to these attacks. Although the U.S. and Iran have avoided direct strikes in recent weeks, President Trump has not ruled out restarting hostilities after the midterm elections next month. Iran continues to claim responsibility for attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. At a campaign rally in Florida on Friday, Trump suggested another operation could follow if Tehran does not reach an agreement. He referenced the Epic Fury campaign launched in February, stating they may do another one or Iran will agree.