Iran plots advanced strikes on US

Washington is bracing for a potential surge in Iranian attacks as top intelligence officials warn that plots against Americans have reached a critical phase. A newly released memorandum confirms that Tehran has significantly intensified its efforts to target US government personnel and ordinary citizens. The assessment indicates that these lethal operations are no longer in the planning phase but have moved into advanced stages of execution. This development marks a sharp escalation in the threat environment facing US interests abroad.

The warning was delivered to Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio on Thursday. Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton signed the document, which was also sent to CIA Director John Ratcliffe. The memo highlights that intelligence agencies have gathered data from multiple sources showing a substantial increase in Iranian activity. Clayton explicitly stated that the plotting efforts against US citizens have reached advanced levels in the Middle East and other specific locations. This formal notification underscores the severity of the current intelligence picture.

Clayton noted in the document that the threat extends beyond just those currently holding high-level security clearances. He explained that the underlying information has already been shared with senior members of Rubio’s team who have the appropriate access. The Director offered the Secretary of State an additional briefing to ensure his leadership team is fully informed. This step is designed to prepare State Department leadership for potential risks to their staff and diplomatic missions.

To help the State Department manage the risk, Clayton pledged to work quickly on downgrading the classification of as much of the intelligence as possible. This move would allow Rubio to share vital details more broadly with State Department employees who may be at risk. The memo itself remained unclassified and did not specify exact targets, attack methods, or the names of countries outside the Middle East where plots are being developed. This approach balances the need for operational secrecy with the urgent need for personnel safety.

The intelligence warning coincides with a visible reduction in the US diplomatic footprint in the region. The State Department is scaling back its presence in several Middle Eastern countries due to fears of Iranian retaliation. Washington also cites the possibility of renewed US military operations against Tehran as a factor in these decisions. This strategic pullback aims to minimize exposure to potential strikes while the US weighs its next moves.

Earlier this week, Washington ordered nonessential government employees and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia. This decision followed a recent escalation in attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis. Reports indicate that further staff reductions have been ordered at embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar, and Jordan. These moves reflect a broader pattern of caution as the security situation deteriorates across the region.

CNN reported on Friday that the United States is accelerating the departure of diplomats and their families from several regional posts. Some of these personnel had only recently returned to their duties after evacuations earlier in the Iran war. The network also noted that Israel has urged Washington to launch new strikes on Iran sooner. However, those efforts to push for immediate military action have not yet succeeded in changing the current trajectory.

President Donald Trump kept the option of further military engagement open during remarks on Friday. He suggested that the United States could carry out another operation similar to the previous campaign if Tehran does not reach an agreement. "We may do another little Epic Fury. Or they'll agree," Trump said. This comment signals that the administration is prepared to use force if diplomatic channels fail to produce a deal.

The new memo underscores the growing concern within the US government for the safety of its diplomatic personnel. Washington is currently balancing the need for additional military options with ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure a deal with Iran. The advanced stage of Iranian plots suggests that the window for pure diplomacy is narrowing. US officials are now focused on protecting their people while they decide whether to negotiate or strike.