Iran Threats: US Intelligence Chief Warns of Advanced Plots Against Americans Abroad

Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton issued a formal warning that Iran is intensifying its campaign to target American personnel in foreign countries.

The unclassified memo, dated Friday and obtained by CBS News, states that Iranian plots to kill U.S. citizens have advanced in both the Middle East and certain other nations. Clayton wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the lethal plotting efforts have reached "advanced stages." CIA Director John Ratcliffe was copied on the communication. The document does not identify specific targets or countries, nor does it specify if an attack is imminent. Clayton noted that the intelligence community is working to declassify sensitive information so it can be shared more broadly with State Department staff.

Tensions between the two nations have escalated over the past year. In February, the United States launched a military campaign against Iran, an operation President Donald Trump referred to as "Epic Fury." Since then, the two countries have generally avoided direct strikes, though Iran has continued to claim responsibility for attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. The current warning arrives as the administration considers whether to resume military operations against Tehran.

Security measures at American diplomatic and military sites have tightened in response to these threats. Earlier this week, the State Department ordered non-essential embassy personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia. Several other U.S. embassies in the region shifted to "restricted operations" status, a designation that allows them to reduce staffing without formally ordering a departure. A U.S. official told CBS News that the department constantly evaluates the security environment. That official said threats from Houthi attacks and Iranian terror plots are shaping staffing decisions. A senior U.S. military official confirmed that the military has been quietly shrinking its presence at posts in the Middle East.

Houthi militants, who are backed by Iran, have targeted Saudi Arabian oil infrastructure and airports. One strike earlier this month on Riyadh's King Khalid Airport killed several people, including a U.S. citizen, and injured hundreds more. Last weekend, U.S. embassies in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates took additional precautions in response to these attacks.

President Trump addressed the situation at a campaign rally in Florida on Friday. He suggested that another military operation could follow if Tehran does not reach an agreement. "We may do another little Epic Fury, or they'll agree," the president said. He has not ruled out restarting hostilities after next month's midterm elections.