US intelligence warned that Iran has increased its attempts to target US diplomats and officials at home and abroad. Additionally, these plots, according to a memo seen by Axios, could result in death. Some targets are in advanced stages in the Middle East and other nations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio received the one-page memo dated 23 Oct. Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton authored it. The memo stated that authorities should disseminate knowledge of the alleged plot among additional US personnel. These personnel might be the targets of the plots, AP reported.
The document did not specify targets, not even indicating a state outside the Middle East. It also failed to provide a detailed description of the alleged attacks.
The alert comes as Washington downsizes staff at several diplomatic missions due to escalating regional tensions. US officials told Axios that the downsizing at embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar and Jordan was due to threats from Iran and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement.
Earlier this week, the State Department instructed all non-essential staff and their families to depart US diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia.
The moves come as President Donald Trump has indicated he could order a fresh military strike against Iran if Tehran fails to negotiate with Washington.
US officials said the changes to embassy staffing are aimed at responding to security threats. The intelligence memo did not say whether any one of the alleged plots was imminent.
