Washington, October 24 (TNA) The United States has placed its personnel on heightened alert across the Middle East after intelligence indicated that Iran has substantially increased efforts to target American officials and citizens, with lethal plots reportedly reaching an “advanced stage”, according to a report.
The warning was issued in a memo from US Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “The lethal plotting efforts by the Iranians against US citizens have reached advanced stages in both the Middle East and certain other countries,” the memo said.
Threat Assessment
The intelligence assessment reportedly covers US personnel in the Middle East as well as Americans in other countries. However, the memo did not identify specific targets, locations outside the region or the nature of the alleged plots. It also did not say whether an attack was imminent.
US agencies have assessed the threat against Americans in the Middle East and several other countries as being at its highest level since the conflict began in February, US officials were cited as saying. The warning has prompted American authorities to increase security measures and alert personnel to possible attacks.
Diplomatic Staff Reductions
The warning came as the US State Department moved to reduce its diplomatic and government presence in several countries across the region. Earlier, the department ordered family members and non-essential personnel to leave the US Embassy in Riyadh and the consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran.
The United States also ordered reductions in personnel at its diplomatic missions in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar and Jordan, according to a US official. The measures reflect concerns over the safety of American diplomats and other government employees amid heightened regional tensions.
No Immediate Details
The memo reportedly said that intelligence about the alleged Iranian assassination efforts should be shared with a wider group of US personnel than currently authorised. Officials have not publicly disclosed the evidence behind the assessment or provided details about any planned operation.
The report comes as the administration of US President Donald Trump weighs its next steps in the conflict with Iran. The warning is expected to intensify security reviews at US embassies, military facilities and other locations where American citizens and personnel are present.
Iran has not publicly responded to the latest US intelligence assessment. The allegations remain based on the US government’s internal intelligence findings, and no attack linked to the reported plots has been publicly confirmed.