Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton has warned Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Iran has substantially increased efforts to target U.S. personnel. In a memo sent Friday, Clayton stated that lethal plots against U.S. citizens have reached advanced stages.
While these Iranian efforts are focused on the Middle East and other countries, U.S. officials indicated that the plans also include potential targets in Europe. The security situation is further impacted by threats from Houthi militants in Yemen.
In response to these threats, the U.S. government has ordered diplomats and other federal employees to leave Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the U.S. is drawing down staff and adjusting staffing levels at other embassies and missions across the Middle East.