US reduces Middle East diplomatic staff over Iranian threat warnings

The United States is reducing diplomatic staff across the Middle East due to advanced-stage intelligence warnings of potential Iranian plots against American representatives, prompting evacuations from countries including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The warning, communicated by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, indicates threats have reached advanced levels in the region, though no attack is deemed imminent. Non-essential personnel have been ordered to leave embassies in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Lebanon. The cutbacks coincide with heightened US-Iran tensions, as President Trump signals possible further military action and Tehran threatens retaliation, including potential attacks on undersea communication lines in the Persian Gulf.