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Intel chief warns of Iranian targeting as US trims Mideast embassy staffing

A memo from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton says Iran has increased efforts to target U.S. personnel as the State Department trims staffing at four Middle East embassies.

Updated Oct 24, 2026 · 14:14 UTC5 reports

The short version

  • Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton warned in a memo to Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Iran has substantially increased efforts to target U.S. personnel abroad.[CBS News]
  • The State Department ordered non-essential personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia and is reducing staffing at four Middle East embassies.[CBS News · ABC News]
  • President Trump suggested another military operation against Iran could follow if Tehran does not reach an agreement, according to reporting.[CBS News]

Key facts

  • Clayton warned Friday that Iran has substantially increased efforts to target U.S. personnel abroad.[CBS News]
  • The memo to Rubio says lethal plotting against U.S. citizens has reached advanced stages in the Middle East and certain other countries.[CBS News]
  • The State Department ordered non-essential embassy personnel and their families to depart Saudi Arabia.[CBS News]
  • The State Department is reducing staffing at four U.S. embassies in the Middle East.[ABC News]
  • Trump suggested the U.S. could launch another operation against Iran if Tehran fails to reach an agreement, invoking Operation Epic Fury.[CBS News]

What remains uncertain

  • The memo's contents rest on reporting by CBS News and have not been independently verified.[CBS News]
  • Trump's comment about another operation was conditional, and the cited reporting does not show a decision to strike Iran.[CBS News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.