US Spy Chief Warns State Department of Advanced Iranian Plots Against Americans
Director Jay Clayton tells Marco Rubio that lethal Iranian efforts targeting US personnel have intensified in the Middle East and other regions.
By Kofi Greco ·
Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton warned Secretary of State Marco Rubio on October 23 that Iranian plots against Americans have reached advanced stages.
A US official confirmed the existence of the intelligence memorandum on Friday. The document was sent to Rubio, with a copy provided to CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
According to the memo, intelligence agencies have gathered data from multiple sources indicating a sharp rise in Iranian efforts to target American officials and citizens. Clayton wrote that lethal plotting efforts have advanced in the Middle East and certain other countries.
Clayton noted in the memo that the intelligence regarding plots against government personnel is relevant to a wider group than those currently cleared to see it. He stated that the underlying information had been shared with senior members of Rubio's team who held appropriate security clearances. The director offered an additional briefing to the secretary.
The memo was marked unclassified but did not list specific targets, attack methods, or countries outside the Middle East. Clayton promised to make every effort to downgrade the classification of the intelligence. This step would allow Rubio to share details with more State Department staff who could be at risk.
The warning arrives as the State Department reduces its diplomatic footprint in several Middle Eastern nations. Washington ordered nonessential employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia earlier this week following an escalation in Houthi attacks. The department also ordered staff reductions at embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar, and Jordan.
President Donald Trump addressed the situation on Friday, keeping open the possibility of further military action. He stated that the United States could carry out another operation similar to Operation Epic Fury if Tehran does not reach an agreement. "We may do another little Epic Fury. Or they'll agree," Trump said.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
