Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton warned Secretary of State Marco Rubio in an October 23 memo that Iran has substantially increased its efforts to target U.S. personnel, with lethal plotting efforts reaching advanced stages in the Middle East and certain other countries.

The unclassified memo, obtained by multiple outlets including Axios and confirmed by U.S. officials, stated that intelligence received through various channels shows Iran stepping up assassination attempts against American citizens abroad. Clayton noted the information is relevant to more individuals than those currently cleared to receive it and pledged to downgrade classification levels to allow broader sharing within the State Department.

The warning comes as the State Department has ordered nonessential personnel and family members to depart U.S. diplomatic facilities in Saudi Arabia, including the embassy in Riyadh and consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran. Staffing reductions have also occurred at embassies in Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan amid heightened regional tensions.

A brewing conflict between Iran-backed Houthi militants and Saudi Arabia has further complicated the security picture, with Houthi attacks targeting civilian infrastructure inside Saudi Arabia. The memo was also copied to CIA Director John Ratcliffe.

The developments occur as the Trump administration evaluates options regarding Iran following recent military strikes earlier in the year and ahead of November midterm elections. Rubio serves in dual roles as secretary of state and national security adviser.

Clayton, confirmed earlier this year, emphasized that the safety of government personnel remains a top priority and that the intelligence community is working to disseminate relevant details more widely to those at potential risk.