Iranian plot budget grows by $2 billion

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have intensified as U.S. intelligence officials report a sharp rise in Iranian operations targeting American citizens overseas. The assessment arrives as the administration prepares for potential military decisions and manages diplomatic security in the Middle East.

In an unclassified memo dated Friday, Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton told Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Iran has added $2 billion to its budget for lethal plots against U.S. personnel. Clayton described the current state of these efforts as having reached "advanced stages" in the Middle East and other specific countries. The document was also shared with CIA Director John Ratcliffe. While the memo confirms the increased financial commitment and progress of the plots, it does not identify specific targets or indicate whether an immediate attack is expected.

The intelligence community is currently working to lower the classification level of sensitive data gathered through various channels. This effort aims to allow for broader distribution of the information to State Department staff. The timing of the memo coincides with the Trump administration's evaluation of whether to resume military strikes against Iran. It follows a period of heightened security measures at American diplomatic and military sites across the region.

State Department officials have adjusted staffing levels in response to these threats. Earlier this week, the department ordered non-essential embassy personnel and their families to depart from Saudi Arabia. Several other U.S. embassies in the region have moved to a "restricted operations" status, which allows them to reduce staff without issuing formal departure orders. A U.S. official stated that the department "constantly" evaluates the security environment, noting that threats from Houthi attacks and Iranian terror plots are driving these staffing decisions. Military officials also confirmed that the armed forces have been quietly reducing their presence at posts in the Middle East.

Houthi militants, who receive support from Iran, have recently targeted Saudi oil infrastructure and airports. A strike on Riyadh's King Khalid Airport earlier this month resulted in the death of several people, including a U.S. citizen, and left hundreds injured. In response, U.S. embassies in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates implemented additional security steps last weekend. Although the two nations have avoided direct strikes in recent weeks, President Trump has suggested that military action could resume after the midterm elections next month.

During a campaign rally in Florida on Friday, Trump referenced the possibility of further military engagement. "We may do another little Epic Fury, or they'll agree," he said, referring to the U.S. campaign launched in February. Iran continues to claim responsibility for attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, adding to the pressure on regional security officials.