US Intelligence Warns Iran Escalating Plots Against Americans Abroad

U.S. intelligence indicates Iran has significantly intensified efforts to target American government officials and citizens outside the United States, with lethal attack plans reaching advanced stages, according to a declassified U.S. intelligence memo. The memo, sent by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and shared with CIA Director John Ratcliffe, warns that intelligence suggests a substantial increase in Iranian activities aimed at harming U.S. personnel.

The intelligence assessment comes amid heightened concerns of further escalation in the conflict between the U.S. and Iran. While the memo did not specify potential targets or locations for these attacks, it follows a U.S. State Department order for non-essential personnel and their families to leave diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia due to increased Houthi attacks in Yemen, which are supported by Iran. A State Department spokesperson clarified the official departure order applied only to Saudi Arabia, but U.S. officials indicated that adjustments to diplomatic presence in other regional countries were being considered.

In parallel, the U.S. State Department updated travel advisories for over a dozen Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Iraq, and Israel, citing growing threats from the Houthis. U.S. officials explained that decisions on embassy staffing levels are based on current intelligence regarding potential threats from Iran and the Houthis.

U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested the possibility of further U.S. military action against Iran, referring to a potential operation as "tremendous wrath," though he provided no specifics on timing or circumstances. Trump also previously stated the U.S. could swiftly end the war but raised the option of continued pressure through sanctions and a naval blockade.

Iran has threatened a significant response to any further U.S. attacks. Two senior Iranian security officials told Reuters that Tehran has prepared plans to target underwater communication cables in the Persian Gulf if the U.S. and Israel renew attacks on its territory, aiming to prolong communication disruptions. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for renewed talks with the U.S. on state television, acknowledging past negotiation failures but expressing belief in the need to resume efforts for an agreement.

These developments occur nearly eight months after the start of the war between the U.S. and Israel and Iran, which has expanded into a regional conflict impacting trade routes, infrastructure, and the energy sector. It remains unclear whether the mutual threats will lead to further military escalation or a resumption of diplomatic engagement.