Iran plans assassination plots against US officials after deadly strikes, report says

Iran is preparing potential assassination plots targeting American diplomats and other US officials, according to a New York Times report citing two Iranian officials, who said American personnel are now considered "fair game" following US and Israeli attacks that killed Iranian officials and their families. The report follows a US intelligence memo dated October 23 warning of a substantial rise in Iran's efforts to target American officials abroad, with some alleged plots reaching advanced stages. Washington has ordered reductions in diplomatic staff across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Lebanon, Qatar, and Jordan, citing Iranian threats and potential Houthi attacks. President Donald Trump has threatened renewed military action against Iran if no agreement is reached, referencing prior strikes under Operation Epic Fury that killed former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Concerns are mounting that tensions could escalate into another round of conflict.