US Intelligence Warned Iran Intensifies Efforts to Target American Officials

In brief

• US intelligence alerted officials that Iran has intensified plans to target American diplomats and officials in the Middle East and beyond.
• The State Department is responding to these intelligence reports by reducing personnel at several US embassies in the region.
• The Director of National Intelligence suggested lowering the classification of sensitive material to allow for wider internal sharing of threat data.
• President Trump indicated that the US must decide between negotiating a deal with Iran or resuming military strikes.

Intelligence Warning to State Department Officials

A memo reported by Axios detailed warnings from the Director of National Intelligence regarding Iranian plans. The document stated that the assassination schemes have progressed to an advanced stage («Час приймати рішення»: Трамп заговорив про нові атаки на Іран – TSN) (Трамп розмірковує над діями щодо Ірану: "довести справу до кінця", чи укласти угоду – Українська правда) (ЗМІ: Розвідка США попередила про наміри Ірану "активніше вбивати американських посадовців" – Українська правда) (ЗМІ: розвідка США попередила про наміри Ірану активніше вбивати американських посадовців – Європейська правда). The Director of National Intelligence advised the Secretary of State that intelligence concerning Iranian intentions should be disseminated to a broader range of American personnel than is currently permitted. To facilitate wider sharing among staff who might be at risk, the Director proposed reducing the classification level of the material.

Embassy Staff Reductions

US officials cite this intelligence as a factor in the State Department's decision to decrease personnel at various American embassies across the Middle East. Earlier this week, the department instructed staff members' families and non-essential personnel to vacate the US embassy in Riyadh, as well as the consulates located in Jeddah and Dhahran. Furthermore, American officials express concern that the Houthi movement, which receives support from Iran in Yemen, might extend its attacks beyond Saudi Arabia.

Broader US-Iran Dynamics

These warnings surface as Washington considers its next strategic moves concerning Tehran. President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that a decision is necessary regarding whether to negotiate a deal with Iran or resume military actions, asserting that the United States will not engage in unproductive discussions (Трамп висловився про подальші дії США щодо Ірану – Європейська правда). Reports indicate that US and Israeli military planners developed specific strategies to restart strikes against Iran following the midterm elections on November 3. Trump also mentioned that Iran is taking actions to elevate oil prices before the election. Separately, earlier reports indicated that Tehran put forward a proposal to reinstate shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and return to talks.