Americans evacuated across Middle East as US intelligence chief warns Iranian death plot is in ‘advanced stages’
The US has reduced staffing at several Middle Eastern embassies after an intelligence memo warned that Iran had substantially increased efforts to target US personnel. The memo said alleged Iranian plots against US citizens had reached “advanced stages” in the region and elsewhere, prompting renewed security measures amid concern that hostilities could escalate.
Sent on 23 October to Secretary of State Marco Rubio by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, the memo was also copied to CIA Director John Ratcliffe; a US official confirmed it. Non-emergency US government staff and their families were ordered to leave Saudi Arabia, while Lebanon, the UAE, Qatar and Jordan are making temporary staffing changes; Kuwait and Bahrain reported no personnel changes. President Donald Trump said a further US strike on Iran was possible, but also said a “nice big beautiful agreement” might be reached.
In short
- US intelligence warned of advanced Iranian plots against Americans.
- Embassy staffing has been reduced in several countries.
- Trump said another strike or an agreement was possible.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Reducing embassy staffing and moving families out is a prudent way to protect people when intelligence indicates plots may be advanced, especially while the risk of wider hostilities is rising. Supporters would argue that temporary precautions preserve the ability to maintain essential diplomatic work while avoiding preventable harm.
The case against
Those wary of the measures could argue that broad or poorly explained evacuations risk amplifying alarm and worsening regional tensions before the threat is independently clear. They may favour targeted precautions and continued diplomatic engagement, while stressing that the possibility of a US strike could itself increase danger and undermine prospects for an agreement.