Iranian Threat: Spy Chief Details $2 Billion Surge in Lethal Plots

Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton warned that Iran has significantly increased its efforts to target American personnel overseas. The assessment, contained in an unclassified memo dated Friday, states that Iranian plots to kill U.S. citizens have reached advanced stages. Clayton addressed the warning to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with CIA Director John Ratcliffe also receiving a copy. The document notes that lethal plotting is occurring in the Middle East and several other nations, though it does not specify which countries or name individual targets.

The memo details a $2 billion increase in Iranian spending on these operations. Clayton indicated that the intelligence community is working to declassify sensitive information gathered through various channels. This process aims to allow State Department staff to access more detailed data regarding the threat. The timing of the warning coincides with the Trump administration’s evaluation of potential military strikes against Iran. It also follows a series of security adjustments at American diplomatic and military sites in the region.

The State Department ordered non-essential embassy personnel and their families to depart Saudi Arabia earlier this week. Several other U.S. embassies in the region have shifted to restricted operations status. This classification allows posts to reduce staff levels without formally declaring an ordered departure. A U.S. official told CBS News on Friday that the department constantly evaluates new information regarding the security environment. The official cited Houthi attacks and Iranian terror plots as key factors shaping staffing decisions at these posts.

Military officials confirmed that the U.S. has been quietly reducing its presence at Middle Eastern posts due to continuing threats. Houthi militants, backed by Iran, have targeted Saudi oil infrastructure and airports. One strike earlier this month hit King Khalid Airport in Riyadh, killing several people, including a U.S. citizen, and injuring hundreds. U.S. embassies in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates took protective steps last weekend in response to these attacks. Although the United States and Iran have avoided direct strikes recently, President Trump has not ruled out resuming hostilities after next month’s midterm elections.

Iran continues to claim responsibility for attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at a campaign rally in Florida on Friday, President Trump suggested further military action is possible if Tehran does not reach an agreement. We may do another little Epic Fury, or they'll agree, the president said, referencing the U.S. military campaign launched in February. The administration weighs these developments as it prepares for potential shifts in the geopolitical landscape following the elections.