US intelligence warns Iran plots against Americans reach advanced stages
US intelligence chief Jay Clayton warned in an October 23 memo that Iran has escalated efforts to target US personnel, with lethal plots against American citizens reaching "advanced stages" in the Middle East and other countries. The warning follows the State Department's decision to reduce staffing at US missions in Saudi Arabia and update travel advisories for over a dozen Gulf and Middle East nations, citing increased threats from Iran-aligned Houthi forces and attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The alert comes as the Iran war nears its ninth month, with the conflict weighing on President Donald Trump's approval ratings ahead of November 3 midterm elections. CIA Director John Ratcliffe was also copied on the memo.