Clayton alerts Rubio to advanced Iranian plots against Americans

Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton sent a warning to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on October 23. The memo detailed a sharp increase in Iranian efforts to target American officials and citizens. It stated that plans for lethal attacks had reached an advanced stage.

The document, which was marked unclassified, provided specific details on the threat level. Clayton wrote that Iranian plotting against US citizens had intensified in the Middle East and other locations. He noted that the intelligence on these plots was relevant to a wider group than those currently cleared to see it.

Clayton offered Rubio an additional briefing on the matter. He also promised to work toward downgrading the classification of the intelligence. This step would allow the State Department to share information with more staff members who might be at risk. The memo did not name specific targets or countries outside the Middle East.

State Department actions followed the intelligence warning. Washington ordered nonessential employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia earlier this week. This move came after an escalation in attacks by Iranian-backed Houthis. Further staff reductions were ordered at embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar, and Jordan.

The diplomatic retreat occurs as the US weighs military options. President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States could carry out another operation similar to Operation Epic Fury if no deal is reached. He stated, 'We may do another little Epic Fury. Or they'll agree.'

Israel has urged Washington to launch new strikes on Iran sooner. Those efforts have not succeeded so far. Some US diplomats had only recently returned to their posts after previous evacuations during the Iran war.

The US government continues to monitor the situation closely. The intelligence community is tracking the development of these plots. The State Department is adjusting its presence in the region accordingly.