US cuts embassy staffing as intelligence points to Iran attack plots
What's new: Officials said the threat level is the highest since the war began in February and may extend to Europe and the US.
The US has heightened security alerts across the Middle East and reduced staffing at some embassies and consulates after intelligence indicated Iran was in advanced stages of planning attacks on Americans, officials said Oct. 23. A memo from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton warned Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Iran had stepped up efforts to target US personnel in the region and in other countries. Officials said analysts have reviewed the threat for about three weeks and that some intelligence suggests Iran may have operatives in the United States. The State Department had already put missions on restricted operating status and on Oct. 21 ordered nonessential staff and families to leave Saudi Arabia.