by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – The United States has heightened security at diplomatic missions across the Middle East after intelligence officials warned that Iran has significantly escalated efforts to assassinate American personnel abroad, with some plots reportedly reaching advanced stages.
In an October 23 intelligence memorandum sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton warned that Tehran was actively pursuing attacks against American citizens and government officials throughout the Middle East and in other countries.
“The lethal plotting efforts by the Iranians against U.S. citizens have reached advanced stages in both the Middle East and certain other countries,” Clayton wrote, according to Reuters.
The warning prompted the State Department to reduce staffing at American embassies in Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The diplomatic missions remain operational under restricted security arrangements.
Washington also ordered nonessential diplomatic personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia, including personnel assigned to the embassy in Riyadh and consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran.
Iranian Threats Raise Fears of Wider Regional War
The security measures come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran following months of military confrontation and renewed attacks by Iran-backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen.
Houthi missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia have intensified, threatening civilian infrastructure and raising concerns that American diplomatic facilities could become targets.
According to Reuters, the State Department also updated travel advisories for more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries, including Israel, warning Americans about potential threats from Iranian-backed forces.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has left open the possibility of renewed military operations against Iran if Tehran refuses to reach an agreement with Washington.
Speaking at a Florida rally Friday, Trump warned that another round of Operation Epic Fury could follow unless Iranian leaders return to negotiations.
U.S. officials have denied that the diplomatic staffing reductions are directly connected to preparations for additional American or Israeli strikes against Iran.
Nevertheless, the combination of advanced Iranian attack plots, heightened embassy security, and growing military tensions underscores the danger of a broader regional confrontation as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.
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