U.S. embassies tighten security as Iran plans attacks before midterms

U.S. embassies heightened security across the Middle East after intelligence indicated Iran is in the "advanced stages" of planning attacks against Americans, according to a memo from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton. The memo said Iran has "substantially increased efforts to target U.S. personnel" in the region, with threats also applying to "certain other countries." The warnings follow the U.S. ordering non-emergency government employees to leave Saudi Arabia this week amid worsening Houthi attacks. The Trump administration has vowed to delay military strikes on Iran until after the Nov. 3 midterm elections, as war fallout drives inflation concerns for voters. Rising tensions pushed Brent crude futures above $116 a barrel, a six-month high.