DNI Memo: Iranian Attacks on Americans at Advanced Stage
Jay Clayton warns Marco Rubio that lethal plots in the Middle East and other regions have moved past the planning phase.
By Lauren Collins ·
American diplomats and citizens face heightened risk in the Middle East and elsewhere, according to a new intelligence assessment. The warning details a surge in Iranian efforts to target US personnel. This escalation coincides with Washington pulling staff from regional embassies.
Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton sent the memo to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on October 23. A copy went to CIA Director John Ratcliffe. Clayton stated that lethal plotting efforts have reached advanced stages in the Middle East and certain other countries. The intelligence gathered through multiple channels shows Iran has substantially intensified its push against American officials.
Clayton noted that the information on plots against government personnel applies to a wider group than those currently cleared for the details. He confirmed that senior members of Rubio’s team with appropriate clearance have already received the underlying data. The DNI offered Rubio an additional briefing to discuss the findings further.
The memo was marked unclassified. It did not name specific targets or describe attack methods. Clayton promised to downgrade the classification of as much intelligence as possible. This move would allow Rubio to share details with more State Department staff who might be at risk.
The warning aligns with the State Department’s recent decision to scale back its diplomatic presence in several Middle Eastern countries. Citing fears of Iranian retaliation, Washington ordered nonessential employees and families to leave Saudi Arabia this week. Axios reported that further reductions were ordered at embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar, and Jordan.
CNN reported on Friday that the US is speeding up departures from other regional posts. Some diplomats had only recently returned after earlier evacuations during the Iran war. Israel has urged Washington to launch new strikes on Iran, but those efforts have not yet succeeded. President Donald Trump said on Friday that the US may carry out another operation similar to Operation Epic Fury if Tehran does not reach an agreement.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
