Iran has "increased efforts to target U.S. personnel," intel chief warns
CBS News • • world
Key Points:
- Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton warned that Iran has significantly increased efforts to target U.S. personnel abroad, with assassination plots reaching advanced stages in the Middle East and other regions.
- The unclassified memo, sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlights growing concerns amid U.S. diplomatic staffing adjustments and military reductions in the Middle East due to threats from Iran and the Iranian-backed Houthi movement.
- The memo does not specify exact targets or locations but indicates the intelligence community is working to share sensitive information more broadly with State Department personnel.
- Recent precautionary measures include the evacuation of non-essential embassy staff from Saudi Arabia and restricted operations at other regional U.S. embassies, in response to increased Houthi missile and drone attacks.
- President Trump has hinted at possible renewed military action against Iran if diplomatic agreements are not reached, referencing a prior U.S. campaign called "Epic Fury."
