U.S. intelligence officials say Iran is stepping up its attempts to target American personnel across the Middle East, a claim outlined in a memo from National Intelligence Director Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The memo, described as unclassified, warns that Iranian plotting has reached "advanced stages" and coincides with recent diplomatic staffing changes in the region.
Background
The warning follows a series of escalations in the Gulf, most notably the Houthi‑backed attacks on Saudi Arabian airports. Saudi authorities report that at least 21 people have been killed in these attacks since the start of October, including a missile strike on Riyadh’s international airport on 10 October that killed 13 and injured 308.
Intelligence Assessment
Clayton’s memo states:
"The lethal plotting efforts by the Iranians against US citizens have reached advanced stages in both the Middle East and certain other countries."
He emphasized that the intelligence community is working to downgrade the information so it can be shared with State Department personnel.
Diplomatic Response
In response to the heightened threat, the U.S. State Department has ordered the departure of non‑emergency embassy staff from Saudi Arabia. A U.S. official told the BBC that staffing decisions are continuously evaluated against new security information, including the threat of Houthi attacks and Iranian terror plots.
Regional Context
- The Houthis say their attacks are retaliation for a Saudi blockade of Yemeni ports and an air strike on Sanaa airport.
- Yemen’s civil war, which began in 2014, has drawn in a Saudi‑led coalition since 2015.
- In February, the United States and Israel launched an air campaign against Iran, which led to Iranian strikes on U.S. allies and a temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
- A preliminary U.S.–Iran agreement in June to end the conflict and reopen the strait collapsed after renewed Iranian attacks on shipping and a U.S. blockade.
Analysis
The intelligence memo underscores a shift from covert plotting to more overt operational planning by Iran, suggesting that American personnel could become direct targets in the near term. The concurrent Houthi attacks amplify the risk environment, prompting the State Department to adopt a precautionary staffing posture.
Uncertainty
While the memo confirms heightened Iranian activity, it does not specify the exact nature or locations of the planned attacks, leaving the precise threat level to U.S. personnel ambiguous. Additionally, the broader geopolitical dynamics—particularly the stalled U.S.–Iran negotiations—introduce further volatility that could affect future security assessments.