Iran at advanced stage of plotting attacks against Americans — US officials

The United States has heightened security alerts and begun withdrawing diplomatic personnel from the Middle East following intelligence indicating that Iran is planning attacks against American citizens and officials.

According to The New York Times, US intelligence agencies warned Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday that Iranian plans had reached advanced stages.

Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton reportedly stated that Iran had “substantially increased efforts to target U.S. personnel.”

The intelligence assessment identified potential targets across the Middle East, Europe and possibly the United States.

The State Department subsequently ordered nonessential employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia while reducing staffing at other diplomatic missions.

Officials described the threat level as the highest since the US-Israeli war against Iran began in February.

However, one official cautioned that Iran’s ability to execute overseas attacks remained limited despite its ambitions.

The developments come amid escalating tensions, with Washington reportedly considering further military strikes against Iran following the upcoming US midterm elections.