US intelligence warns Iran plots to kill American officials reach advanced stage

US intelligence has warned that Iran has significantly intensified efforts to attack American diplomats and officials in the Middle East and beyond, with lethal plots reaching an advanced stage, according to a memo obtained by Axios. The memo from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton informed Secretary of State Marco Rubio of the threat, urging that the information be shared more widely with potentially endangered personnel. Specific targets, countries, and plot details were not disclosed, though the intelligence has prompted the State Department to order evacuations of families and non-critical staff from embassies in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Lebanon, Qatar, and Jordan. The warnings come amid heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, following Houthi attacks on Saudi military sites on October 22 and reports that President Donald Trump may soon launch a new phase of Middle East warfare, with Israel lobbying for more immediate action.