DNI Memo: Iran Expanded $2 Billion Budget for Plots Against U.S. Personnel

American diplomats and military personnel abroad face a heightened threat environment, according to a new intelligence assessment. The evaluation details a major expansion in Iranian activities aimed at U.S. citizens overseas.

Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton stated in a memo that Iran has "substantially increased efforts to target U.S. personnel." The document, dated Friday, reveals that the Iranian government allocated an additional $2 billion to these operations. This funding surge supports lethal plotting efforts that have moved into "advanced stages" in the Middle East and certain other countries.

The memo was sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with CIA Director John Ratcliffe copied on the communication. Clayton noted that the intelligence community is working to declassify sensitive information so it can be shared more broadly with State Department staff. The document did not identify specific targets or list the countries where these plots are being developed. It also did not indicate that an attack is imminent.

The warning arrives as the administration considers resuming military strikes against Iran. Security precautions have tightened at American diplomatic and military sites in the region. The State Department ordered non-essential embassy staff and their families to leave Saudi Arabia earlier this week. Several other U.S. embassies in the region have shifted to "restricted operations" status, allowing them to reduce personnel without formally ordering a departure.

A U.S. official said the department "constantly" evaluates new information regarding the security environment. The official cited the threat of Houthi attacks and Iranian terror plots as key factors in staffing decisions. A senior U.S. military official added that the military has been quietly shrinking its presence at Middle East posts due to continuing threats.

Houthi militants, backed by Iran, have targeted Saudi oil infrastructure and airports. A strike on Riyadh's King Khalid Airport earlier this month killed several people, including a U.S. citizen, and injured hundreds. Embassies in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates took additional security steps last weekend in response to these attacks.

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. In a campaign rally in Florida on Friday, the president suggested another military operation could follow if Tehran does not reach an agreement. "We may do another little Epic Fury, or they'll agree," Trump said.