Iran’s Plots Against U.S. Personnel Abroad Reach Advanced Stages, Clayton Warns
Intelligence warning prompts action
Jay Clayton said Friday that Iran has increased efforts to target U.S. personnel overseas. He described plots to kill Americans in the Middle East and certain other countries as having reached advanced stages.
The intelligence community is working to downgrade sensitive information received through various channels so it can be shared more widely with State Department staff. CIA Director John Ratcliffe was copied on Clayton’s memo.
Embassies adjust staffing
The warning follows security precautions at U.S. diplomatic facilities in the region. Earlier this week, the State Department ordered non-essential embassy personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia.
Several other American embassies have adjusted staffing under restricted operations status, which allows personnel numbers to be reduced without a formal ordered departure. A U.S. official said Friday that security information, including threats from Houthi attacks and Iranian plots, informs those decisions.
Trump leaves possibility open
Trump referred to the U.S. military campaign launched in February by its name, Epic Fury, as he discussed possible next steps. “We may do another little Epic Fury, or they’ll agree,” the president said.
Key points
- Clayton warned that Iranian plots targeting Americans abroad have reached advanced stages.
- U.S. intelligence officials are preparing to share more information with State Department personnel.
- Diplomatic staffing changes reflect concerns about Iranian plots and Houthi attacks.
- Trump has not ruled out renewed hostilities with Iran after next month’s midterm elections.