US intelligence warns Iran escalates plots against American officials in Middle East

US intelligence has warned that Iran has significantly intensified efforts to target American diplomats and officials in the Middle East and beyond, with assassination plots reaching advanced stages. This warning is cited as a key reason for the State Department reducing staff at several embassies in the region. American officials told Israel's Channel 12 that intelligence information prompted the downsizing of embassy personnel, amid fears of a broader regional confrontation. Additional concerns include potential Houthi attacks expanding beyond Saudi Arabia, and the possibility of renewed US-Israeli military operations against Iran, possibly after the US midterm elections. President Donald Trump said on Friday at a Florida rally that the US might conduct another small operation under "Epic Fury," or Iran could agree to a deal. A declassified memo from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton urged Secretary Marco Rubio to share intelligence on Iranian assassination plans more widely with at-risk staff.