Iran Intensifies Plots Against U.S. Personnel Abroad, Intelligence Memo Warns

Iran has significantly stepped up efforts to target U.S. personnel overseas, with alleged plots against American citizens reportedly reaching advanced stages in the Middle East and other countries, according to an intelligence memo obtained by Fox News.

The memo, sent Friday to Secretary of State Marco Rubio by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, comes days after the State Department ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia amid escalating attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

U.S. officials confirmed the authenticity of the unclassified memo, which was first reported by Axios. The document outlines concerns about Iranian activities targeting American personnel abroad.

"Specifically, through various channels, we have received intelligence that Iran has substantially increased efforts to target U.S. personnel," the memo states.

"The lethal plotting efforts by the Iranians against U.S. citizens have reached advanced stages in both the Middle East and certain other countries," it continues.

U.S. Intelligence Warns of Advanced Iranian Plots Against Americans

The memo also indicates that intelligence officials will work to downgrade the classification of certain information so it can be distributed to State Department personnel.

A U.S. official told Fox News Digital that the government continuously assesses security conditions and adjusts its decisions based on emerging threats.

"When it comes to our staffing at embassies, we constantly evaluate new information about the security environment," the official said.

"The threat of Houthi attacks and of Iranian terror plots targeting U.S. officials are informing our decisions on staffing adjustments for embassies on RO Status in the region."

The report comes as President Donald Trump continues to weigh the possibility of another round of military strikes against Iran if Tehran fails to reach an agreement with Washington.

State Department Clarifies Saudi Arabia Departure Order

Earlier this week, the State Department responded to reports suggesting that it had ordered nonessential government personnel and their dependents to leave the entire Gulf region.

The department clarified that the departure directive applied only to Saudi Arabia, rejecting claims that a broader regional shutdown had been ordered.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott described reports of a wider evacuation as "inaccurate."

"The U.S. Department of State issued an ordered departure for non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members in Saudi Arabia," the department said.

Houthi Missile Attacks Add to Middle East Security Concerns

The latest intelligence warning follows a State Department travel advisory issued in late September, cautioning Americans traveling in and through the Middle East.

The warning also comes amid several missile attacks toward Saudi Arabia by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, adding to the security concerns facing the region.

U.S. authorities continue to monitor the evolving threat environment as officials assess risks to American personnel and determine appropriate security measures at diplomatic facilities.