U.S. Intelligence Memo Warns of Advanced Iranian Plots

An October 23 intelligence memorandum from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton warned Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Iranian efforts to target U.S. personnel had increased and that alleged lethal plots against Americans had reached advanced stages, according to the document and U.S. officials. The unclassified memo said intelligence indicated threats in the Middle East and certain other countries. It did not identify specific targets, describe the alleged operations or name countries outside the Middle East where Americans might be at risk. The intelligence assessment is attributed to U.S. agencies and officials; the reported plots have not been detailed publicly. Clayton said the information had already been shared with appropriately cleared senior State Department officials, but could be relevant to more personnel. He proposed downgrading the classification of as much intelligence as possible so Rubio could share it more widely with department employees. The memo was also copied to CIA Director John Ratcliffe. The warning came amid changes to staffing at U.S. diplomatic missions in the region. An unnamed U.S. official said reductions at embassies in the United...