Clayon Memo: Iran Accelerates Lethal Plots Against U.S. Personnel Abroad

Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton warned that Iranian efforts to kill Americans overseas have moved into advanced stages. The unclassified memo, dated Friday, was sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and copied to CIA Director John Ratcliffe.

Clayon stated that lethal plotting has surged in the Middle East and certain other countries. The document does not name specific targets or indicate if an attack is imminent. The intelligence community is working to declassify sensitive data so State Department staff can access it more easily.

The warning coincides with the Trump administration's review of potential military strikes against Iran. Security measures at American diplomatic and military sites in the region have tightened. Earlier this week, the State Department ordered non-essential embassy personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia. Other embassies in the region have shifted to restricted operations status to reduce staffing levels without a formal departure order.

A U.S. official told CBS News that the department constantly evaluates the security environment. The threat of Houthi attacks and Iranian terror plots is driving these staffing decisions. A senior U.S. military official confirmed that the military has quietly shrunk its presence at posts in the Middle East due to continuing threats.

Iran-backed Houthi militants have targeted Saudi oil infrastructure and airports. One strike on Riyadh's King Khalid Airport earlier this month killed several people, including a U.S. citizen, and injured hundreds. U.S. embassies in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates took protective steps last weekend in response.

The United States and Iran have avoided direct strikes in recent weeks. However, President Trump has not ruled out restarting hostilities after next month's midterm elections. Iran continues to claim responsibility for attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. At a campaign rally in Florida on Friday, Trump suggested another operation could follow if Tehran does not reach an agreement. He referenced the U.S. military campaign launched in February by saying, "We may do another little Epic Fury, or they'll agree."