DNI memo details Iranian attack plans against Americans
Jay Clayton sent Marco Rubio a document on October 23 warning that lethal plots by Iran have reached advanced stages in the Middle East and other regions.
By Chioma Kuznetsov ·
Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton informed Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday that Iranian efforts to target Americans are accelerating. A memorandum dated October 23, which also went to CIA Director John Ratcliffe, states that plans for lethal attacks have reached advanced stages. The disclosure followed an initial report by Axios that obtained the document.
Clayton wrote that intelligence agencies have gathered data from multiple sources showing Iran has substantially increased its push to harm American personnel. He noted that these lethal plotting efforts are active in the Middle East and certain other countries. The memo itself was marked unclassified and did not list specific targets, attack methods, or the names of non-Middle Eastern nations involved.
The intelligence chief cautioned that the information is currently restricted to a small group of cleared officials. He stated that the underlying data had already been shared with senior members of Rubio's team. Clayton offered an additional briefing and promised to work on downgrading the classification of the intelligence. This step would allow Rubio to share the details with more State Department staff who may face risk.
The warning arrives as the State Department reduces its diplomatic footprint in the region. Washington ordered nonessential employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia earlier this week following an escalation in Houthi attacks. Axios reported similar staff reductions at embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar, and Jordan. CNN reported on Friday that the US was speeding up departures from several regional posts, including by diplomats who had only recently returned from evacuations during the Iran war.
President Donald Trump addressed the potential for further military action on Friday. He said 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. Israel has urged Washington to launch new strikes on Iran sooner, though those efforts have not yet succeeded.
The State Department is scaling back its presence in several Middle Eastern countries due to fears of Iranian retaliation and the possibility of renewed US military operations. The memo highlights the growing concern for the safety of American diplomatic personnel as the administration weighs military options while pursuing a diplomatic deal.
