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World · October 24, 2026

U.S. is reducing staffing at 4 Middle East embassies over increased threats from Iran

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Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton issued an unclassified memo to Secretary of State Marco Rubio warning that Iran has substantially increased efforts to target U.S. personnel. The memo states that lethal plots against Americans have reached 'advanced stages' in the Middle East and other unnamed countries. In response, the State Department is reducing or adjusting staffing at four embassies—Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan—while recently ordering non-emergency personnel to leave Saudi Arabia. Intelligence officials are reportedly working to downgrade information so it can be shared more broadly within the State Department.

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Reported across the spectrum

  • Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton sent an intelligence memo to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on October 23, 2026.
  • The memo warns that Iran has 'substantially increased' efforts to target U.S. personnel.
  • Lethal plotting by Iran has reached 'advanced stages' in the Middle East and other countries.
  • The State Department is reducing or adjusting staffing at embassies in Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan.
  • The memo was first reported by Axios.
  • CIA Director John Ratcliffe was copied on the memo.

Reported by only some outlets

  • The State Department recently ordered non-emergency employees to leave Saudi Arabia due to attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
  • The U.S. military is reportedly scaling back its troop presence at bases across the region.
  • The embassies involved were already operating under 'restricted operations' status with limited staffing.
  • The State Department has issued a worldwide caution for Americans traveling abroad.

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