National Intelligence Chief Flags Advanced Iranian Plots Against US Citizens

Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton confirmed on Friday that US intelligence agencies have identified a significant surge in Iranian efforts to target American officials and citizens. The assessment indicates that specific plans for lethal attacks have moved into advanced stages of execution. This warning was formally communicated to Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio via an intelligence memorandum dated October 23.

The document was transmitted to Rubio with a copy provided to CIA Director John Ratcliffe. Clayton noted that multiple intelligence channels have corroborated the intensification of these threats. He stated that the plotting against US citizens has reached a critical point in the Middle East and several other nations. The memo itself remained unclassified and did not specify the exact targets, attack methodologies, or the specific countries outside the Middle East where these schemes are developing.

Clayton emphasized that the intelligence regarding plots against government personnel applies to a broader group of individuals than those currently holding the necessary security clearances. He assured Rubio that the underlying data had already been shared with appropriately cleared senior members of his team. The DNI also offered an additional briefing to the secretary and pledged to work on downgrading the classification of the intelligence. This process would allow the State Department to share details with more staff members who may be at risk.

The warning arrives as the State Department reduces its diplomatic footprint in several Middle Eastern nations. Officials cited concerns over Iranian retaliation and the potential for renewed US military operations against Tehran. Earlier this week, Washington ordered nonessential employees and their families to depart Saudi Arabia following an escalation in attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis. Reports indicate that further staff reductions have been ordered at embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar, and Jordan.

Additional reporting from CNN on Friday suggested that the US is accelerating the departure of diplomats and their families from regional posts. Some of these personnel had recently returned to their posts after previous evacuations during the Iran war. The network also noted that Israel has urged Washington to launch new strikes on Iran sooner, though those efforts have not yet resulted in immediate action.

President Donald Trump maintained the possibility of further military engagement during remarks on Friday. He indicated that the United States could conduct another operation similar to Operation Epic Fury if Tehran fails to reach an agreement. "We may do another little Epic Fury. Or they'll agree," Trump said. The memo highlights the growing urgency for the US to protect its diplomatic personnel while balancing military options with ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure a deal with Iran.