US intelligence warns Iran advanced lethal plots against US officials in Middle East
US intelligence has warned that Iran has "substantially increased" efforts to target American diplomats and government personnel, with some alleged lethal plots reaching advanced stages, according to a classified memo obtained by Axios. The October 23 memo from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the plotting targeted US officials in the Middle East and other unspecified countries. The State Department has reduced staffing at several diplomatic missions in the region in response. The department ordered reductions at embassies in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar and Jordan, citing threats from Iranian plots and Houthi attacks. President Donald Trump warned Iran on Friday that Washington could pursue further military action if Tehran does not negotiate.