US Cuts Embassy Staff in Middle East Over Iranian Threats
Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton warned Marco Rubio that Iran has increased efforts to target U.S. personnel abroad. The unclassified memo says lethal plotting has reached "advanced stages."
One page, unclassified: the memo names no targets, countries or methods.
Four embassies are cutting staff: UAE, Lebanon, Qatar and Jordan.
Nonessential staff and families were ordered out of Saudi Arabia earlier.
Three U.S. officials confirmed the memo went to Rubio.
Why it matters: U.S. officials say the Iran intelligence is one reason for the embassy drawdowns. Clayton wrote that the information is relevant to more people than are cleared to see it.
Officials fear Houthi attacks could spread beyond Saudi Arabia.
State's public announcement cited Houthi threats, not Iran.
What’s next: Clayton offered to downgrade as much of the intelligence as possible. Rubio could then share it with State Department staff at his discretion.
Staff in the four countries are not required to leave.
Trump said at a Florida rally the U.S. may do "another little Operation Epic Fury" absent a deal.
Which countries outside the Middle East are involved in the alleged plots?
Will the U.S. and Israel launch new strikes on Iran after the midterms?
