Iran Threat: Spy Chief Tells Rubio Plots Against Americans Are Advanced

Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton sent Secretary of State Marco Rubio a memorandum on October 23 warning that Iranian efforts to kill American officials and citizens have reached advanced stages. The document, which was copied to CIA Director John Ratcliffe, outlines a sharp increase in hostile activity against US personnel. A US official confirmed the receipt of the memo on Friday, following an initial report by Axios.

Clayton wrote that intelligence gathered through multiple channels shows Iran has substantially intensified its push to target Americans. The plots are active in the Middle East and in certain other countries, according to the text. Clayton noted that the specific information is currently relevant to a wider group of people than those currently holding the necessary security clearances to receive it.

The memo was marked unclassified and did not name specific targets, attack methods, or non-Middle Eastern countries where plots are developing. Clayton offered Rubio an additional briefing and promised to work quickly to downgrade the classification of the underlying intelligence. This step would allow Rubio to share details with more State Department staff who may be at risk.

State Department actions reflect the rising threat level. Washington ordered nonessential government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia earlier this week following an escalation in Houthi attacks. Axios reported that similar staff reductions were ordered at embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar, and Jordan. CNN reported on Friday that the US is speeding up departures from several regional posts, including for diplomats who had recently returned after earlier evacuations.

The intelligence warning coincides with ongoing diplomatic and military discussions. Israel has urged Washington to launch new strikes on Iran, though those efforts have not succeeded so far. President Donald Trump suggested on Friday that the US could conduct another operation similar to Operation Epic Fury if Tehran does not reach an agreement. He stated, "We may do another little Epic Fury. Or they'll agree."

The State Department is scaling back its diplomatic presence in several Middle Eastern nations due to fears of Iranian retaliation. The withdrawal comes as Washington weighs additional military options while continuing efforts to secure a deal with Iran. The memo serves as a formal alert to the Secretary of State regarding the immediate danger to American personnel.