US reduces embassy staff in four Middle East countries after Iran threat warning

The United States is reducing staff at its embassies in four Middle Eastern countries following an intelligence warning about Iranian attack plans, according to a leaked memo to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The move affects diplomatic posts in Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The National Intelligence Director's memo, cited by Axios, states Iran has significantly escalated plans to target American diplomats and officials in the region, with preparations reaching an advanced stage. The State Department announced the staff reductions amid threats from Iran and Yemen's Houthi rebels, though officials deny a connection to potential US bombing plans. The affected embassies are already operating with limited personnel, but staff have not been ordered to leave the countries, unlike previous evacuations at the US embassy in Riyadh. The changes come as US forces prepare for possible renewed strikes on Iran, which President Donald Trump has threatened.