Rubio Gets Warning: Iran Plots Against Americans Are Advanced

Secretary of State Marco Rubio received an urgent intelligence assessment this week confirming that Iranian schemes to harm Americans have moved into late phases. The document, dated October 23, was transmitted to Rubio by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton. A copy also went to CIA Director John Ratcliffe. This official confirmation follows an initial report by Axios, which obtained the internal memo detailing the heightened threat level.

According to Clayton, multiple intelligence streams indicate that Iran has significantly ramped up its campaign against American personnel. The director wrote that lethal plotting efforts have reached advanced stages in the Middle East and specific other nations. This signals a shift from general surveillance to active preparation for attacks on US officials and citizens.

Clayton noted that the intelligence relevant to protecting government staff is currently limited to a small group with high security clearances. He stated that the core details were already shared with senior members of Rubio’s team. The director offered an additional briefing to the Secretary. He also pledged to work toward declassifying as much of the information as possible. This would allow State Department staff to know who might be at risk.

The memo itself remains unclassified. It does not identify specific targets, attack methods, or the non-Middle Eastern countries where plots are developing. This careful release of information balances the need for transparency with the necessity of keeping operational details secret until they are no longer sensitive.

The warning arrives as the State Department reduces its diplomatic footprint in the region. Officials cite fears of Iranian retaliation and the potential for new US military strikes. Earlier this week, Washington ordered nonessential employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia. This move followed an escalation in attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis. Further staff cuts were ordered for embassies in the UAE, Lebanon, Qatar, and Jordan.

CNN reported that the US is accelerating the exit of diplomats and families from several regional posts. Some of these personnel had only recently returned after earlier evacuations during the Iran conflict. The network also reported that Israel has urged Washington to launch new strikes on Iran sooner, though those efforts have not yet succeeded.

President Donald Trump left the door open for further military action on Friday. He suggested the US could repeat a previous operation if Tehran does not agree to a deal. Trump said, "We may do another little Epic Fury. Or they'll agree." The memo highlights the growing concern for diplomatic safety as Washington balances military options with ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure an agreement with Iran.