US Intelligence Warns of Advanced Iranian Plots Against Americans Abroad
An unclassified memo states that Iranian efforts to target U.S. personnel overseas have reached advanced stages in the Middle East and other regions.
By Robert Hayes ·
American citizens living and working outside the United States face a heightened threat environment, according to a new intelligence warning. Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton stated that Iran has substantially increased efforts to target U.S. personnel. The assessment was shared in an unclassified memo dated Friday.
The memo details that Iranian plots to kill Americans have progressed to advanced stages. Clayton wrote that these lethal plotting efforts have reached advanced stages in both the Middle East and certain other countries. The document did not name specific targets or identify the exact locations where the plots are developing. It also did not specify whether an attack is imminent.
The warning was addressed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with CIA Director John Ratcliffe copied on the communication. Clayton noted that the intelligence community is working to downgrade the classification of sensitive information. This process will allow the data to be shared more widely with State Department staff. Axios was the first outlet to report on the contents of the memo.
The memo arrives as the administration considers resuming military strikes against Iran. Security precautions have increased at American diplomatic and military sites in the region. The State Department ordered non-essential embassy personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia earlier this week. Several other U.S. embassies in the region have shifted to restricted operations status. This status allows them to reduce staff levels without formally ordering a departure.
A U.S. official told CBS News on Friday that the department constantly evaluates the security environment. The official said that threats from Houthi attacks and Iranian terror plots are shaping staffing decisions. A senior U.S. military official confirmed that the military has been quietly shrinking its presence at posts in the Middle East due to continuing threats. Houthi militants, who are backed by Iran, have targeted oil infrastructure and airports in Saudi Arabia.
One strike on Riyadh's King Khalid Airport earlier this month killed people, including a U.S. citizen, and injured hundreds more. U.S. embassies in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates took steps in response to these attacks last weekend. 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 continues to claim responsibility for attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Florida on Friday, President 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. The president referred to the U.S. military campaign launched in February.
Source: CBS News
