US evacuates Middle East staff after Iran assassination threat reports

The United States is evacuating personnel from embassies and military bases across the Middle East following intelligence reports of an intensified Iranian plot to kill American government officials, according to major U.S. media on October 24. Intelligence agencies assessed threats to Americans in the region as the highest since the U.S. attack on Iran in late February. Washington ordered diplomatic staff and families to evacuate or reduce presence in Saudi Arabia and other countries, while also withdrawing personnel from bases. President Trump is reportedly leaning toward resuming large-scale operations against Iran but has not made a final decision. The State Department updated travel advisories for 13 Middle Eastern countries to Level 3 or 4, and Director of National Intelligence Clayton warned Secretary of State Rubio that Iranian assassination plans have advanced.