Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton said some alleged assassination plots had reached advanced stages, although the memo did not identify specific targets, countries or operational details
TBS Report
24 October, 2026, 01:20 pm
Last modified: 24 October, 2026, 01:22 pm
An unclassified intelligence memo dated October 23 warned US Secretary of State Marco Rubio of a substantial increase in Iranian efforts to target American diplomats and officials overseas, according to the document.
Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton said some alleged assassination plots had reached advanced stages, although the memo did not identify specific targets, countries or operational details, says First Post.
Clayton offered to lower the classification level of sensitive intelligence so Rubio could circulate warnings to a wider group of personnel considered at risk.
The intelligence warnings come as the US State Department reduces diplomatic staffing across West Asia in response to security threats from Iran and Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
Washington has ordered nonessential personnel and family members to leave the US Embassy in Riyadh and the country's consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran, while additional staff reductions have been ordered at US embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar and Jordan.
American officials have also expressed concern that Houthi forces could expand their campaign beyond Saudi Arabia to target other countries across West Asia.
The warnings coincide with heightened rhetoric from US President Donald Trump and recent military operations involving Iran.
Speaking at a rally in Florida, Trump said the US could launch "another little Operation Epic Fury" if Tehran failed to reach an agreement with Washington.
Joint US-Israeli strikes under Operation Epic Fury in February killed Iran's then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and members of his family, according to the information provided.
Trump has also highlighted Operation Midnight Hammer, claiming that US strikes severely damaged Iranian nuclear enrichment facilities and defeated Tehran militarily and financially.
The intelligence warnings, diplomatic staffing reductions and presidential remarks have added to concerns about a possible renewal of direct conflict, following statements by an American diplomat hinting at upcoming military action.