Clayton Reports Iran Spent $2 Billion More on Lethal Plots

U.S. intelligence officials have identified a sharp rise in Iranian operations aimed at American citizens abroad. The assessment comes as the Trump administration considers its next move in the ongoing regional conflict.

In a memo dated Friday, Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton informed Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Iran has substantially increased its efforts to target U.S. personnel. Clayton stated that these lethal plotting efforts have reached advanced stages in the Middle East and other specific countries. CIA Director John Ratcliffe was also copied on the communication.

The document details a financial surge in these activities. Iran spent two billion dollars more on lethal plots against U.S. personnel compared to previous periods. While the memo does not name specific targets or countries, it confirms that the plots are moving from planning to execution phases.

Clayton noted that the intelligence community is working to declassify sensitive information. This step will allow for broader sharing of data with State Department staff. The goal is to ensure that diplomats on the ground have the most current threat assessments available to them.

The warning arrived while the State Department implemented new security measures. Earlier this week, non-essential embassy personnel and their families were ordered to leave Saudi Arabia. Other U.S. embassies in the region shifted to restricted operations status. This status allows for a reduction in staff without a formal departure order.

A U.S. official told CBS News on Friday that the department constantly evaluates the security environment. The threat of Houthi attacks and Iranian terror plots is driving these staffing decisions. The military has also quietly reduced its presence at posts in the Middle East due to continuing threats.

Houthi militants, backed by Iran, have struck Saudi oil infrastructure and airports. A strike on King Khalid Airport in Riyadh earlier this month killed several people, including a U.S. citizen, and injured hundreds. Iran continues to claim responsibility for attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump suggested in a Florida rally on Friday that another operation could follow if Tehran does not reach an agreement.