A US intelligence report has warned that Iran is stepping up alleged plots to kill American diplomats and officials, with some plans already at an advanced stage. The warning, reported by Axios, comes as the United States reduces embassy staffing across the Middle East and President Donald Trump threatens another military operation against Tehran if talks fail.

US intelligence memo warns of advanced Iranian assassination plots

The intelligence warning was contained in a memo dated October 23 and sent to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to Axios. It said Tehran had "substantially increased" its efforts to target American diplomats and government officials in the Middle East and other parts of the world.

The report also warned that some suspected assassination plots had reached "advanced stages", suggesting that American officials could face serious security threats.

The one-page memo, reportedly sent by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, did not identify specific targets or explain how the alleged attacks might be carried out.

Clayton also called for intelligence about the suspected plots to be shared with more American personnel, particularly those who could face danger while serving abroad.

The latest warning has prompted Washington to review security arrangements at its diplomatic missions as tensions with Iran continue.

US reduces embassy staff amid Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

The United States has already ordered non-essential government employees and their families to leave its diplomatic facilities in Saudi Arabia following growing security concerns.

The departure order covers the US Embassy in Riyadh and consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran.

Earlier, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott rejected reports suggesting that similar evacuation orders had been issued across several Gulf countries.

"This is 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 only," Pigott wrote on X.

He blamed the deteriorating security situation on Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have carried out attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.

"Iranian-supported Houthis have increasingly engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions," he said.

However, Axios subsequently reported that Washington had also ordered reductions in diplomatic and government personnel at American embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan and Lebanon.

American officials are reportedly concerned that Houthi attacks could spread beyond Saudi Arabia, putting US personnel and facilities in other Middle Eastern countries at risk.

Donald Trump warns Iran of another Operation Epic Fury

The intelligence warning comes as President Donald Trump has threatened further military action against Iran if Tehran fails to reach an agreement with Washington.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Fort Myers, Florida, on Friday, Trump suggested that the United States could launch another operation similar to its earlier military offensive against Iran.

"We may do another little Epic Fury, or they'll agree," Trump told supporters.

Referring to the possibility of negotiations, he added, "If they're smart, they'll just say, 'Let's get down to business.'"

US-Iran tensions rise ahead of November midterm elections

The conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran is nearing its eighth month. Washington has indicated that further military action remains an option, although Trump has previously suggested that new strikes would not take place before the US midterm elections.

The elections are scheduled for November 3, as Americans remain concerned about the war and rising fuel prices. Meanwhile, the latest intelligence warning has raised security concerns at US diplomatic missions. However, the publicly reported memo does not identify any imminent attack against a specific US official.

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