DNI Memo: 1 Day After Leak, Iran Plots Against US Reach Advanced Stage

Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton sent a memorandum to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on October 23, warning that Iranian efforts to kill American officials and citizens have entered an advanced phase. The document, dated the day before a public confirmation, details a sharp increase in hostile intelligence activity targeting US personnel.

Clayton wrote to Rubio, who also serves as National Security Adviser, stating that lethal plotting efforts against US citizens have reached advanced stages in the Middle East and specific other countries. A copy of the memo was provided to CIA Director John Ratcliffe. The intelligence agencies gathered this data through multiple channels, indicating a substantial intensification of Iran's push to target Americans.

The warning arrived one day after the outlet Axios reported that it had obtained the document. Clayton cautioned that the intelligence regarding plots against government personnel is relevant to a wider group than those currently cleared to view it. He noted that senior members of Rubio's team with appropriate clearings had already received the underlying information.

Clayton offered to provide an additional briefing to Rubio. He also committed to downgrading the classification of as much intelligence as possible. This step would allow Rubio to share details with more State Department staff who might be at risk. The memo itself remained unclassified and did not specify targets, attack methods, or countries outside the Middle East where plots were developing.

The alert aligns with the State Department's decision to reduce its diplomatic presence in several Middle Eastern nations. Washington cited fears of Iranian retaliation and potential renewed US military operations against Tehran. Earlier this week, the US ordered nonessential government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia following an escalation in attacks by Iranian-backed Houthis.

Further staff reductions were ordered at embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar, and Jordan. CNN reported on Friday that the US was accelerating the departure of diplomats and their families from these regional posts. Some of these personnel had recently returned after earlier evacuations during the Iran war.

President Donald Trump addressed the situation on Friday, keeping open the possibility of further military action. He stated that the United States could conduct another operation similar to Operation Epic Fury if Tehran does not reach an agreement. "We may do another little Epic Fury. Or they'll agree," Trump said.