Iran escalates lethal plotting against Americans abroad, U.S. intelligence warns

U.S. intelligence warns Iran has "substantially increased" lethal plotting against American citizens abroad, with efforts reaching "advanced stages" in the Middle East and other countries, according to a memo from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The unclassified memo, dated Oct. 23 and published by Axios, prompted the U.S. government to relocate diplomats and embassy staff from certain Middle East posts, per reports from Axios, CNN and the New York Times. The threat level is reportedly the highest since the Iran war began in February. Clayton stated the intelligence was relevant to more people than authorized to receive it and he would work to downgrade it. Earlier this week, the State Department ordered nonessential personnel and families to leave Saudi Arabia amid Iran-backed Houthi attacks, with other Gulf states also planning departures.