US on alert as Iran's plan to target Americans abroad in 'advanced stages': Report

The warning, reportedly contained in an unclassified memo that was sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio

The United States is reducing staffing at four embassies in the Middle East reportedly after receiving intelligence that Iran has stepped up efforts to target American personnel overseas, adding to security concerns as the Trump administration weighs its next move in the conflict with Tehran. The broader security concerns came into focus after director of national intelligence Jay Clayton warned Secretary of State Marco Rubio that alleged Iranian plots against American citizens had reached an advanced stage. “The lethal plotting efforts by the Iranians against US citizens have reached advanced stages in both the Middle East and certain other countries,” Clayton wrote in an unclassified memo dated October 23, as reported by CBS News. Clayton said Iran had “substantially increased efforts to target US personnel”. The memo did not specify the intended targets or countries involved, or establish whether any attacks were imminent. CIA director John Ratcliffe was copied on the communication. The diplomatic drawdowns affect US missions in Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, which will continue operating under restrictions. The move follows an earlier order for non-essential personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia amid escalating attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militants. The intelligence community is working to downgrade sensitive information gathered through various channels so that it can be shared more widely with State Department personnel. The memo was first reported by Axios and subsequently obtained by CBS News and The Associated Press.

Iran threat and Houthi attacks drive security measures

Washington has cited the threat from the Houthis, who have intensified missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory, as a reason for tightening security at diplomatic facilities. US officials have also linked the latest staffing adjustments to alleged Iranian plots against American officials. “When it comes to our staffing at embassies, we constantly evaluate new information about the security environment,” a US official told CBS News. “The threat of Houthi attacks and of Iranian terror plots targeting UD officials are informing our decisions on staffing adjustments for embassies on RO [Restricted Operations] Status in the region,” the official said. Thus, while non-essential personnel and their families have been ordered to leave Saudi Arabia, the four other embassies remain open under restricted operations, with staff not required to depart. The security alert comes against the backdrop of a wider regional conflict that has put American personnel, energy infrastructure and commercial shipping at risk. The Houthis have allegedly targeted Saudi oil facilities and airports, while Iran has continued to claim responsibility for attacks on oil tankers in and around the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Revolutionary Guard has also threatened US military bases in the region over American assistance to commercial shipping through the strategic waterway, according to reports carried by The Associated Press.

Trump keeps option of renewed strikes 'open'

The intelligence warning comes as diplomatic efforts to bring Washington and Tehran back to formal negotiations face uncertainty. Although the two countries have not exchanged direct strikes in recent weeks, Trump has not ruled out resuming military action. At a rally in Florida on Friday, Trump suggested the United States could launch another operation if Iran failed to reach an agreement. “We may do another little Epic Fury, or they'll agree,” he said, referring to the US military campaign launched in February. US officials have denied that the latest embassy staffing reductions are connected to preparations for possible new American and Israeli strikes on Iran, according to AP. The moves have instead been attributed to the deteriorating security environment and threats against US personnel.