The United States has warned of a growing threat from alleged Iranian attempts to target American diplomats and government officials stationed overseas. Some of the suspected plots are believed to have reached advanced stages, raising concerns about the safety of US personnel abroad. The warning comes as Washington reduces its diplomatic presence in several West Asian countries over fears of potential attacks and a possible escalation of its confrontation with Tehran. According to a report by Axios, which obtained the document, a one-page, unclassified intelligence memo dated October 23 and addressed to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted a significant increase in Iran's alleged efforts to target American officials. The memo, issued by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, recommended sharing information about the suspected plots with a broader group of US personnel who could potentially face threats. However, the document did not identify specific individuals, countries or operational details linked to the alleged Iranian activities.

US Reduces Embassy Staff Amid Rising Security Concerns

The intelligence warning comes as the US State Department reduces staffing at several American diplomatic missions across West Asia in response to growing security concerns. Earlier this week, Washington ordered family members and nonessential personnel to leave the US Embassy in Riyadh and the American consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran, all located in Saudi Arabia. On Friday, the State Department directed further reductions in American diplomatic and government personnel at US embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar and Jordan, according to a US official. The official cited concerns about alleged Iranian plots and the possibility of attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels as key reasons behind the decision. US officials are also worried that the Houthis could expand their campaign beyond Saudi Arabia and launch attacks against other countries in West Asia. Such a development could further worsen the already fragile security situation across the region. In the intelligence memo, Clayton offered to reduce the classification level of as much sensitive information as possible. This would allow Rubio to share the intelligence with a wider range of American officials who might be exposed to potential threats.

Trump Threatens Fresh Military Action Against Iran

The intelligence warning comes as US President Donald Trump has increased pressure on Tehran, raising the possibility of renewed military action if Iran fails to reach an agreement with Washington. Speaking at a rally in Florida on Friday, Trump said the United States could carry out "another little Operation Epic Fury" or Iran could choose to reach a deal with the American government. "If they're smart, they will just say, 'Let's get down to business,'" Trump said, while expressing doubt that Iran's leadership would agree to that approach. In February, the United States and Israel launched joint military strikes against Iran under Operation Epic Fury. According to the supplied account, the attacks killed Iran's then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and members of his family. Trump also mentioned Operation Midnight Hammer, the US military campaign that targeted Iranian nuclear facilities. He claimed that the operation had inflicted severe damage on Iran's nuclear enrichment capabilities. The US president further asserted that Washington had defeated Iran both militarily and financially, reinforcing his administration's position that American military action had significantly weakened Tehran.

Fears Grow Over Possible Return to Conflict

Trump's latest remarks have intensified speculation about the possibility of additional American strikes against Iran. The concerns have grown following comments by a US diplomat suggesting that military action could occur in the near future. The developments have raised fresh questions about whether Washington and Tehran are moving towards another direct confrontation. The intelligence warning about alleged Iranian plots against American personnel, combined with the withdrawal of nonessential embassy staff and Trump's renewed military threats, has heightened security concerns across West Asia. With diplomatic missions reducing their presence and Washington maintaining pressure on Tehran, the risk of further escalation remains a major concern for American officials and regional governments.