Report: Iran advancing assassination plots against American officials

U.S. intelligence warns that Iran has significantly increased its efforts to target American diplomats and officials in the Middle East and beyond, with some assassination plots reaching advanced stages, according to an intelligence document obtained by Axios. Amid the concern, the U.S. has reduced its presence at embassies in the region.

U.S. intelligence warns that Iran has significantly increased its efforts to target American diplomats and officials in the Middle East and beyond, with some assassination plots reaching advanced stages. This was reported by Axios, based on an unclassified intelligence document from October 23 that was sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton recommended removing some classification restrictions to broaden the circle of those aware of the threats. Amid the concern, the State Department has reduced staffing at embassies in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dhahran, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar, and Jordan. A U.S. official explained that the decision stems from the Houthi threat and Iranian terror plots. President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of further military action against Iran, saying, "We might do another small operation called 'Epic Fury'."