US Intelligence Warns Iran's Assassination Plots Against Americans Are Advanced
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
US intelligence has warned that Iran's plots to assassinate American officials and citizens have reached advanced stages. The alert, detailed in a memo from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, has led to reduced staffing at US embassies in the Middle East. US agencies assess the threat level as the highest since the war with Iran began in February, with potential targets identified in Europe and the US. The warnings come amid heightened tensions and stalled diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- US intelligence warns Iran's assassination plots against American officials and citizens are in advanced stages.
- The alert follows a significant increase in Iran's efforts to target Americans, according to a US intelligence memo.
- Threats have been identified against high-ranking officials, including ambassadors, with potential targets in Europe and the US.
- US embassies in Saudi Arabia have reduced staff, and others in the Middle East are also cutting personnel.
- The heightened threat level is the highest since the war with Iran began in February, US agencies estimate.
- The warnings coincide with stalled diplomatic talks and ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran.
The US intelligence community has issued an unusual warning, stating that Iran has significantly intensified its efforts to assassinate American government officials and citizens, with plots reaching advanced stages. The memo, dated October 23, was authored by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, who expressed concern that the intelligence might not reach all individuals at risk.
US intelligence agencies estimate the threat level to Americans in the region to be the highest since the war with Iran began in February. Recent weeks have seen threats against high-ranking officials, including ambassadors, with potential targets identified in Europe and even within the United States. However, one US official cautioned that Iran's capability to carry out such attacks abroad is limited.
These warnings have prompted practical measures. The State Department ordered non-essential personnel and their families to leave the US Embassy in Riyadh and consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Further reductions in staff have been announced for US embassies in the UAE, Lebanon, Qatar, and Jordan. These decisions are attributed to a combination of Iranian plot concerns and increased Houthi attacks in Yemen, supported by Tehran.
This is not the first time Iranian assassination plots against US officials have been exposed. In March, a Pakistani national, Asif Merchant, was convicted in a New York federal court for terrorism offenses and conspiracy to commit murder for hire. He had allegedly entered the US in 2024 to recruit assassins targeting political figures, including Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Nikki Haley. Iran has previously denied involvement in such plots.
The heightened alert coincides with a particularly sensitive period in US-Iran relations, following the US-Israeli military action against Iran in February. Diplomatic talks have stalled, and Iran is reportedly preparing for a broader military response if major US attacks resume. President Trump has not ruled out further military operations, referencing a previous operation and stating that another could occur if Iran does not agree to a deal.
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