DNI warns Iran has escalated plots against Americans overseas

Jay Clayton, the Director of National Intelligence, issued a formal alert on Friday stating that Iran has markedly intensified its campaign to eliminate American citizens abroad. In a memo addressed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Clayton described the current level of threat as being in "advanced stages." CIA Director John Ratcliffe was copied on the communication, which was obtained by CBS News. Axios initially broke the story regarding the contents of the document.

The written assessment specified that these lethal operations are developing in the Middle East as well as in specific other nations. However, the memo did not identify the precise locations or the intended victims. Clayton noted that the intelligence community is currently working to declassify sensitive information gathered through various methods. This process aims to allow State Department staff to access the data more broadly to enhance security measures.

This intelligence briefing coincides with the Trump administration's internal debate over whether to restart military strikes against Tehran. Security protocols at American diplomatic and military facilities in the region have tightened in response. Earlier this week, the State Department instructed non-essential embassy staff and their families to depart Saudi Arabia. Several other U.S. embassies in the area shifted to "restricted operations" status, a measure that permits a reduction in on-site personnel without a formal order to leave.

A U.S. official told CBS News on Friday that the department continuously assesses the evolving security environment. The official explained that decisions regarding staffing at embassies under restricted operations are driven by the dual threats of Houthi attacks and Iranian terror plots. Additionally, a U.S. official and a senior U.S. military official confirmed this week that the military has been quietly reducing its footprint at Middle East posts to mitigate ongoing risks.

Iran-backed Houthi militants have recently targeted Saudi Arabian oil infrastructure and airports. One strike on King Khalid Airport in Riyadh earlier this month killed several people, including a U.S. citizen, and injured hundreds. In reaction to these attacks, U.S. embassies in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates implemented security steps last weekend. The U.S. and Iran have avoided direct military exchanges in recent weeks, though President Trump has not excluded resuming hostilities after next month's midterm elections.

During a campaign rally in Florida on Friday, Trump suggested another military operation could occur if Tehran fails to reach a deal. He referenced the U.S. military campaign launched in February by stating, "We may do another little Epic Fury, or they'll agree." Iran continues to claim responsibility for attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.