US warns of advanced Iranian plots to kill American officials abroad

The United States has warned of advanced Iranian plots to assassinate American diplomats and officials overseas, according to an intelligence memo addressed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The warning coincides with reduced US diplomatic presence across West Asia. The unclassified memo from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, dated October 23, flagged a substantial increase in Iranian targeting efforts. It did not name specific targets or countries. The State Department has ordered staff reductions at embassies in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Lebanon, Qatar, and Jordan, citing Iranian plots and Houthi rebel threats. President Donald Trump has raised the possibility of renewed military action against Iran, referencing previous operations that killed Iran's Supreme Leader. The combination of intelligence warnings, embassy reductions, and Trump's rhetoric has heightened fears of another US-Iran confrontation.