Clayton informs Rubio of advanced Iranian threats to Americans

State Department employees in the Middle East face a heightened risk of targeted violence, according to intelligence shared with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. A memorandum from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, dated October 23, indicates that Iranian efforts to kill American officials and citizens have entered an advanced phase. The document was sent to Rubio and copied to CIA Director John Ratcliffe, marking a formal escalation in the warning level for US personnel in the region.

The memo notes that multiple intelligence channels confirm Iran has substantially intensified its campaign against American targets. Clayton wrote that lethal plotting efforts have reached advanced stages in the Middle East and certain other countries. The intelligence regarding government personnel is considered relevant to a wider group of individuals than those currently cleared to receive it. Clayton noted that the underlying information had already been shared with senior members of Rubio’s team who possessed the necessary clearances.

Clayton offered Rubio an additional briefing on the findings. He also committed to downgrading the classification of as much of the intelligence as possible. This step would allow the secretary to share details more broadly with State Department staff who may be at risk. The original memo was marked unclassified and did not identify specific targets, attack methods, or countries outside the Middle East where plots are developing.

The warning arrives as Washington reduces its diplomatic footprint in the region. The State Department is scaling back its presence in several Middle Eastern countries due to fears of Iranian retaliation and potential renewed US military operations. Earlier this week, nonessential government employees and their families were ordered to leave Saudi Arabia following an escalation in attacks by Iranian-backed Houthis. Further staff reductions were ordered at embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar, and Jordan.

CNN reported that the United States is accelerating the departure of diplomats and families from several regional posts. Some of these personnel had recently returned after evacuations earlier in the Iran war. The network added that Israel has urged Washington to launch new strikes on Iran sooner, although those efforts have not yet succeeded. President Donald Trump kept the option of further military action open during a speech on Friday.

Trump said the United States could carry out another operation similar to Operation Epic Fury if Tehran does not reach an agreement. "We may do another little Epic Fury. Or they'll agree," Trump said. The intelligence memo underscores the growing concern for the safety of American diplomatic personnel as Washington weighs additional military options while continuing diplomatic efforts to secure a deal with Iran.