Iranian Officials Confirm Plans to Target US Diplomats
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Senior Iranian officials have confirmed to The New York Times that Iran is preparing to target U.S. diplomats and government officials, citing retaliatory actions for alleged killings of Iranian figures by the U.S. and Israel. U.S. intelligence has warned of intensified efforts and advanced assassination plots, leading to directives for personnel to leave Middle Eastern embassies. The situation is exacerbated by concerns over Houthi rebel actions and potential renewed military operations against Iran.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Iran is preparing to target U.S. diplomats and government officials, according to senior Iranian officials.
- U.S. intelligence warns of significantly intensified efforts and advanced assassination plots against American personnel.
- The U.S. State Department ordered non-essential personnel to leave Middle Eastern embassies due to these threats.
- Iranian officials cited alleged killings of their officials by the U.S. and Israel as justification for targeting Americans.
- Concerns also exist about Houthi rebels expanding attacks and potential renewed U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran.
Two senior Iranian officials, including one from the Revolutionary Guards, have confirmed to The New York Times that Iran is preparing to target American diplomats and government officials. They stated that Iran views Americans as "legitimate targets" due to alleged killings of dozens of Iranian officials and their families by the United States and Israel. This report corroborates earlier revelations by N12's Washington correspondent Barak Ravid, indicating that U.S. intelligence has warned of Iran significantly intensifying its efforts to harm American diplomats and officials globally, with assassination plots reportedly reaching "advanced stages."
According to U.S. officials, this intelligence is a primary reason for the State Department's recent order for non-essential family members and personnel to leave Middle Eastern embassies, amid growing concerns of a wider regional conflict. A declassified memo from U.S. Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton advised Secretary of State Marco Rubio that sensitive intelligence regarding Iranian assassination plots needed to be shared with a broader range of U.S. personnel who might be at risk. The memo did not specify targets, locations outside the Middle East, or the nature of the plots, but confirmed the warning was based on intelligence already shared with senior State Department officials.
Clayton recommended lowering the classification level of the sensitive intelligence to facilitate wider sharing. U.S. officials also expressed concern that Yemen's Houthi rebels might expand their attacks beyond Saudi Arabia to other regional countries. The possibility of renewed U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, potentially before the U.S. midterm elections, is also cited as a factor increasing security tensions. President Trump, speaking at a rally in Florida, alluded to potential actions, suggesting Iran might agree to a deal if they were "smart."
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