Iran Plot Threats Force US to Scale Back Diplomatic Footprint in Middle East

Washington has ordered non-essential diplomatic staff to withdraw from several Middle Eastern embassies after intelligence assessments indicated that Iran has reached advanced stages in planning to target American personnel abroad.

According to an internal memo from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US agencies have determined that Iran has substantially increased efforts to target US personnel overseas, with lethal plots nearing execution in the Middle East and other countries. The State Department announced Wednesday that non-essential staff are being removed from the embassy in Saudi Arabia, citing escalating attacks on infrastructure by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Reports indicate similar staff reductions are occurring quietly at missions in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Lebanon.

The threat level for US citizens in the Middle East has been assessed at its highest point since the war between the US and Iran began on February 28. While Washington has not publicly commented on the specific intelligence memo, officials have confirmed its authenticity. Some sources indicate that potential targets in Europe have also been identified, and intelligence suggests operatives may be active inside the United States.

In response to the perceived threat, President Donald Trump stated on Friday that the US may launch another military action, using the codename 'epic fury' for the conflict. This warning comes amid reports that Washington and Israel may be preparing a new campaign following the US mid-term elections scheduled for next month.

Iran has not officially responded to the intelligence memo. However, Tehran has repeatedly threatened and carried out attacks on US bases and allied positions in the region. The Pentagon has confirmed that 21 US military personnel have been killed in the Middle East since the conflict began in late February.

Revolutionary Guard spokesman Hossein Mohebbi declared on Wednesday that Iran would shift to a new offensive strategy if US attacks are renewed, moving beyond simple retaliation. He also asserted that the range and power of Iranian missiles have improved. Intelligence reports further suggest that Iran possesses detailed plans to target undersea communications cables in the Gulf if new attacks occur.

US authorities have long accused Iran of plotting against American officials. In March, a US court convicted a Pakistani national of plotting to assassinate President Trump and other politicians on the orders of the Revolutionary Guard. Earlier incidents include a 2022 charge against a Guard member for attempting to arrange the killing of former national security adviser John Bolton.

Security concerns are not limited to the Middle East. This month, the US abruptly pulled bombers from an airbase in England following a security incident. UK authorities subsequently arrested several men on suspicion of working with Iranian intelligence.