DNI Memo: Iran's Plots Against Americans Are in Advanced Stages

Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton sent a formal warning to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday. The intelligence memorandum, dated October 23, detailed a sharp increase in Iranian efforts to target American officials and citizens. Clayton noted that plots for lethal attacks had moved into advanced stages.

The document was transmitted to Rubio with a copy provided to CIA Director John Ratcliffe. A US official confirmed the contents of the memo on Friday. This confirmation followed an initial report by Axios, which obtained the document first. The memo itself remained unclassified and did not specify individual targets, attack methods, or nations outside the Middle East where plots were being developed.

Clayton wrote that US intelligence agencies had gathered information through multiple channels. The data showed Iran had substantially intensified its push against American personnel. He stated that these lethal plotting efforts have reached advanced stages in the Middle East and certain other countries. Clayton cautioned that the intelligence regarding government personnel is relevant to a wider group than those currently cleared for it. He offered Rubio an additional briefing and promised to downgrade the classification of the intelligence as much as possible. This step would allow Rubio to share details with State Department staff who might be at risk.

The warning arrived as the State Department reduced its diplomatic footprint in several Middle Eastern nations. The department cited fears of Iranian retaliation and the potential for renewed US military operations. Earlier this week, Washington ordered nonessential government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia. This move followed an escalation in attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis. Axios reported that further staff reductions were ordered at embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar, and Jordan. CNN added that the United States was speeding up the departure of diplomats and their families from several regional posts. Some of these personnel had only recently returned from earlier evacuations during the Iran war.

President Donald Trump addressed the situation on Friday. He said the United States could carry out another operation similar to Operation Epic Fury if Tehran does not reach an agreement. Trump said, "We may do another little Epic Fury. Or they'll agree." The memo reflects growing US concern for the safety of American diplomatic personnel as Washington weighs military options while continuing diplomatic efforts to secure a deal with Iran.