US warns of advanced Iranian attack plots

The United States government formally acknowledged on Friday that Tehran is actively planning more attacks on its own people. A senior official confirmed that Marco Rubio, who holds both the titles of Secretary of State and National Security Adviser, received a serious warning. The document outlines a steep increase in Iranian attempts to target American officials and citizens. According to the report, these plans to carry out lethal strikes are now in the final phases of preparation.

This official confirmation came after the publication of a report by Axios. That news outlet had previously obtained the internal document. The memo is dated October 23. Jay Clayton, the Director of National Intelligence, sent the letter to Rubio. A copy was also provided to John Ratcliffe, who leads the CIA.

The text details how various US intelligence services gathered data from multiple sources. This evidence points to a significant ramp up in Iranian efforts to harm US personnel. Clayton stated in the memo that the plotting for deadly attacks has progressed significantly. He noted this is happening in the Middle East as well as in several other nations. The warning specifically mentions that these efforts have reached advanced stages.

Clayton added a note of caution regarding who can currently see this information. He pointed out that the details about plots targeting government staff are relevant to a broader group than those with current security clearances. The underlying facts had already been shared with senior members of Rubio’s team who had the necessary access. Clayton also offered the secretary the chance to sit down for an additional briefing to discuss the findings in more detail.

The Director of National Intelligence promised to work hard to lower the classification level of the intelligence. This change would allow Rubio to share the data with more State Department employees. Many of these staff members could be at risk if the threat is real. The memo itself was marked as unclassified. It did not list specific targets, describe the methods of attack, or name any countries outside the Middle East where plots are developing.

This warning arrives at a time when the State Department is reducing its diplomatic footprint in several Middle Eastern nations. Officials cite fears of Iranian retaliation and the potential for new US military operations against Tehran. Earlier this week, Washington told nonessential government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia. That decision followed a surge in attacks by the Houthi group, which is backed by Iran. Axios also reported that orders went out to cut staff at embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar, and Jordan.

CNN reported on Friday that the US is accelerating the exit of diplomats and their families from several regional posts. Some of these workers had only recently returned to their jobs after evacuations during the earlier Iran war. The network also noted that Israel has pushed Washington to launch new strikes on Iran quickly. However, those efforts have not yet succeeded in changing the current course of action.

President Donald Trump kept the door open for further military moves on Friday. He said the United States might conduct another operation similar to Operation Epic Fury if Tehran does not reach an agreement. He stated, We may do another little Epic Fury. Or theyll agree. The memo highlights the growing concern for the safety of US diplomatic personnel. Washington is weighing additional military options while continuing to try to secure a deal with Iran.