Top US Spies Warn Iran Is Close to Hitting Americans

The number of intelligence channels confirming Iranian intent to target Americans has grown to multiple sources, according to a memo dated October 23. The document, sent by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, states that lethal plotting efforts have reached advanced stages. This warning highlights a significant escalation in threats against US personnel in the region.

The first key point is the specific status of the threats. Clayton wrote that Iranian efforts to harm US citizens are no longer in the planning phase. Instead, the agency leaders believe these operations are ready for execution. The memo notes that these advanced stages are visible in the Middle East and in certain other countries, though the specific locations outside the region were not named in the unclassified document.

Second, the intelligence has been shared with the highest levels of the administration. A copy of the memo was also sent to CIA Director John Ratcliffe. Clayton noted that the underlying details had already been briefed to senior members of Rubio’s team who hold the necessary security clearances. The Director of National Intelligence offered Rubio an additional briefing to ensure the Secretary of State had the most current understanding of the threat landscape.

Third, officials are working to make this information accessible to more staff. Clayton promised to downgrade the classification of as much of the intelligence as possible. This step is crucial because it would allow Rubio to share the details with State Department employees who are currently at risk. The original memo was marked unclassified and did not specify attack methods or name individual targets, keeping the focus on the overall threat level.

This warning arrives as the State Department reduces its diplomatic footprint in the Middle East. The move is driven by fears of Iranian retaliation and the potential for renewed US military strikes. Earlier this week, Washington ordered nonessential employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia following increased attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis. Reports indicate that similar staff reductions are being ordered at embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar, and Jordan.

The broader context includes ongoing diplomatic and military maneuvering. President Trump recently suggested that the US might launch another operation similar to Operation Epic Fury if an agreement is not reached. He stated, "We may do another little Epic Fury. Or they'll agree." Meanwhile, Israel has urged Washington to launch new strikes sooner, although those efforts have not yet succeeded. The memo underscores the growing concern for the safety of American diplomats as the country weighs its next moves in the conflict.

The situation remains fluid as the administration balances the need to protect its people with the goal of securing a deal with Tehran. The advanced stage of the plots suggests that time may be running out for a purely diplomatic solution. As more diplomats depart regional posts, the focus shifts to ensuring that those remaining in the field are fully aware of the specific risks they face.