Iran has stepped up efforts targeting American diplomatic personnel in the Middle East and other regions.
That warning was issued by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton in a memo to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the BBC reports.
In response, the State Department is reviewing staffing levels at its embassies. In particular, the authorities have already ordered American diplomatic staff in Saudi Arabia who are not involved in emergency duties to leave.
The situation has escalated due to systematic attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement. Since the start of October, at least 21 people have been killed in missile strikes and drone attacks on airports in Saudi Arabia. A major attack took place on 10 October at Riyadh International Airport, when 13 people were killed and more than 300 were injured.
- The conflict is intensifying against the backdrop of broader regional tensions. In February, the US and Israel carried out air strikes on Iran; in response, Tehran shelled US allies and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz.
- Although the sides reached a preliminary ceasefire agreement in June, it quickly collapsed after new attacks on vessels and the resumption of the blockade.
- The Houthis’ actions and instability in the Strait of Hormuz have already driven a sharp rise in global oil prices.