CNN reporter Zachary Cohen also confirmed that the memo is legitimate.
US intelligence officials have warned that Iran has “substantially increased” efforts to target American diplomats and government personnel. Some alleged lethal plots have already reached advanced stages, according to an intelligence memo obtained by Axios .
The unclassified memo did not identify specific targets, locations outside the Middle East or details about the alleged plots. The October 23 memo from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio said intelligence agencies had received information showing increased Iranian efforts to target US personnel.
The memo said that the alleged plotting targeted American officials in the Middle East and certain other countries. However, Clayton said the intelligence had already been shared with senior State Department officials within the appropriate security clearances.
Trump suggested that Washington could pursue further military action if Tehran does not negotiate.
“We decided that due to the threat of Houthi attacks and Iranian terror plots we need to reduce our footprint and keep only essential staff,” the official said. Earlier reporting noted: Iranian plots to target US diplomats reach ‘advanced stages’, extend beyond Middle East: Report United States intelligence agencies have reportedly detected that Iran has “substantially increased” its attempts to target American diplomats and government officials, both across the Middle East and in other parts of the world. Earlier reporting noted: US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened Tehran, hinting at a possible strike on Iran fails to reach a diplomatic agreement, remarking that Washington might launch “another little Epic Fury” to compel compliance. Earlier reporting noted: “We decided that due to the threat of Houthi attacks and Iranian terror plots we need to reduce our footprint and keep only essential staff,” the official said, as quoted by Axios.
On Friday, officials also ordered reductions in US diplomatic and government personnel at embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar and Jordan, an official told Axios. President Donald Trump addressed Iran during a rally in Florida on Friday.
