7 Missions Cut Staff as DNI Warns of Final Stage Iran Plots

United States intelligence agencies have determined that Iran is in the final stages of planning attacks against American personnel abroad. This assessment triggered an immediate reduction in staff at seven US diplomatic missions in the Middle East.

The warning comes from an internal memo sent by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Clayton stated that US agencies have gathered evidence showing Iran has substantially increased its efforts to target US personnel. The memo indicates that lethal plots are currently in advanced stages in the Middle East and other regions.

According to officials familiar with the matter, the threat level for US citizens in the Middle East is now the highest since the US-Israel war on Iran began on February 28. The assessment arrives as Washington and Jerusalem may prepare a new military campaign following next month's mid-term elections.

The State Department confirmed on Wednesday that it is removing non-essential staff from its embassy in Saudi Arabia. This decision follows escalating attacks on Saudi infrastructure by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. Media reports indicate that similar quiet staff reductions are occurring at embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Lebanon.

A US official told The New York Times that Houthi attacks and Iranian terror plots targeting US officials are driving these withdrawals. In a separate development, officials said threats to American ambassadors and other officials have been assessed in recent weeks. Intelligence also suggests that Iranian operatives are already active inside the United States.

President Donald Trump addressed the situation on Friday, stating that the US may do another little epic fury. He used the codename for the ongoing conflict while commenting on the potential for renewed hostilities.

Iran has not publicly responded to the memo. However, its officials have repeatedly threatened US bases and those of its allies in the region. The Pentagon has confirmed that 21 US military personnel have been killed in the Middle East since the war began.

Hossein Mohebbi, spokesman for the Revolutionary Guard, said on Wednesday that Tehran would adopt a new offensive strategy if the US renewed attacks. He added that the quality, range, and power of Iranian missiles have improved, signaling a shift from purely retaliatory tactics.

Reuters reported that Tehran has detailed plans to target undersea communications cables in the Gulf if new US-Israeli attacks occur. Mohsen Rezaei, Iran's security chief, warned that cables, data centers, and artificial intelligence facilities across the region could be hit if the war resumes.

US authorities have a long history of accusing Iran of plotting against Americans. In March, a US court convicted a Pakistani national of plotting to assassinate Trump and other politicians on the orders of the Revolutionary Guard. In 2022, a Guard member was charged with arranging the killing of former national security adviser John Bolton, allegedly offering $300,000 to individuals in the US to carry out the hit.