'Axios': US intelligence warning of Iranian plots to assassinate officials and diplomats
Clayton memo warns of escalating Iranian efforts to target US officials and reduce embassy staff.
Translated by Qiyas from السياسة — Original source
- Some have reached advanced stages... Washington reduces staff at its embassies in four countries in the region
The US website Axios reported on Saturday that an intelligence memorandum warns of escalating Iranian efforts to target US officials and diplomats in the Middle East and other countries, noting that some suspected assassination plots have reached advanced stages.
The site stated that the memorandum, dated October 23, was sent by US Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. It included an intelligence assessment indicating that Iran has significantly intensified its efforts to target US personnel and officials outside the United States.
It clarified that the one-page memorandum emphasized the need to broaden the sharing of intelligence related to these threats with US personnel who may be at risk, after it became apparent that available information pertained to individuals not currently authorized to access it.
It added that senior officials at the US State Department had reviewed the intelligence, while Clayton expressed his willingness to declassify as much of it as possible, allowing for broader sharing with relevant personnel.
The memorandum did not specify the names of targeted individuals or the countries involved outside the Middle East, nor did it reveal the nature or details of the plots.
In a related development, the Associated Press reported that the US State Department has begun reducing staff at its embassies in Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, amid growing security concerns linked to Iranian threats and Houthi attacks in Yemen.
The agency quoted three US officials stating that threats attributed to Iran and the Houthis were among the reasons for the staff reduction measures.
It noted that the four embassies would continue operations under restricted operational arrangements, without issuing mandatory orders for staff to leave.
These measures follow a directive from the US State Department last Wednesday ordering non-essential government employees and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia amid escalating security threats.
US officials confirmed that the staff reductions at the embassies are not linked to potential preparations for new US and Israeli military strikes against Iran.
US President Donald Trump had previously hinted on Friday at the possibility of a new military operation against Iran if it fails to reach an agreement with the United States.
The published information did not confirm the execution of any of the suspected assassination plots, nor did the memorandum provide details that would allow for independent verification of the nature of these threats.
