Iranian plots to kill Americans reach advanced stage in two regions

The security situation for Americans working and living abroad has tightened, according to a new unclassified memo from the Director of National Intelligence. Jay Clayton informed Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Iran has substantially increased its efforts to target U.S. personnel overseas. CIA Director John Ratcliffe was copied on the warning, which was dated Friday.

Clayon stated that Iranian lethal plotting efforts against U.S. citizens have reached advanced stages in both the Middle East and certain other countries. The document does not name specific targets or identify the exact countries where the plots are developing. It also does not specify whether any attack is imminent.

The intelligence community is currently working to downgrade the classification of sensitive information gathered through various channels. This effort aims to allow for wider sharing of details with State Department staff. The memo arrives as the Trump administration evaluates the potential for resuming military strikes against Iran.

Security precautions at American diplomatic and military sites in the region have intensified in recent days. The State Department ordered non-essential embassy personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia earlier this week. Several other U.S. embassies in the region have shifted to restricted operations status, a measure that permits them to reduce personnel without formally declaring an ordered departure.

A U.S. official told CBS News on Friday that the department constantly evaluates new information regarding the security environment. The official cited the threat of Houthi attacks and Iranian terror plots targeting U.S. officials as key factors in staffing decisions. A senior U.S. military official also noted that the military has been quietly shrinking its presence at posts in the Middle East due to continuing threats.

Iran-backed Houthi militants have carried out attacks on Saudi Arabia targeting oil infrastructure and airports. One strike on Riyadh's King Khalid Airport earlier this month killed several people, including a U.S. citizen, and injured hundreds more. In response to these Houthi attacks, U.S. embassies in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates took additional security steps last weekend.

President Trump suggested at a campaign rally in Florida on Friday that another military operation could follow if Tehran does not reach an agreement. He referred to the U.S. military campaign launched in February as Epic Fury. The president said, We may do another little Epic Fury, or they will agree.

The United States and Iran have avoided striking each other in recent weeks. However, President Trump has not ruled out restarting hostilities after next month's midterm elections. Iran continues to claim responsibility for attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.