US says Iran threat highest since war began; some Mideast embassies cut staff
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US officials said on Friday that intelligence indicates Iran's plans to attack Americans have reached an advanced stage, according to The New York Times. The US government has told personnel across the Middle East to increase vigilance and begun reducing staffing at embassies and consulates there. Intelligence agencies warned Secretary of State Marco Rubio about security risks facing State Department employees in the Middle East and elsewhere, and the Trump administration confirmed the memo. Officials said the threat to Americans in the Middle East and several other countries has reached its highest level since the war began in February. Over the past three weeks, analysts have reviewed threat intelligence against US officials including ambassadors, with some material suggesting Iran may have operatives inside the United States and plans involving potential targets in Europe. However, another official noted Iran's capability to carry out attacks in the US and other overseas areas is limited, with intent stronger than operational capacity.
Source report
October 24 — US officials said Friday that intelligence indicates Iran's plans to attack Americans have reached an advanced stage, according to The New York Times. The US government has instructed personnel across the Middle East to heighten vigilance and has begun reducing staffing at its embassies and consulates in the region.
Intelligence Warning to Secretary of State
The intelligence community issued a warning to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday, alerting him to security risks facing State Department employees in the Middle East and other regions. The Trump administration subsequently confirmed the memorandum.
Threat Level at Highest Since War Began
US officials said intelligence assessments show that threats against Americans in the Middle East and several other countries have reached their highest level since the war broke out in February. Trump and his senior aides receive regular briefings on the matter.
Ongoing Review of Threat Intelligence
Over the past three weeks, analysts have been reviewing threat intelligence targeting US officials, including ambassadors. Some materials suggest Iran may have deployed operatives inside the United States, and its plans also involve potential targets in Europe.
Capability vs. Intent
However, another official noted that Iran's capacity to carry out attacks in the US and other overseas locations is limited, and its intent to strike is stronger than its actual operational capability.
Source
domesticWestern
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US Reduces Staff at Four Middle East Embassies Over Advanced Iran Attack Plots