Iran ramps up plans to target Americans, which could renew fighting
US Embassy in Riyadh; Image: Getty
Iran is stepping up efforts to target US officials abroad, according to a new intelligence memo first obtained by Axios.
The memo, sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio by National Intelligence Director Jay Clayton, warns that plots to kill American citizens have reached “advanced stages,” prompting Washington to take steps to protect its personnel across the Middle East.
The latest news
US and European officials say intelligence warnings about potential Iranian attacks have grown in recent weeks, including a suspected Iranian plot this month targeting a British air base used by the US military.
The latest memo doesn’t identify specific targets or provide details about the alleged plots, but the warnings are already prompting changes to US diplomatic operations:
- Earlier this week, the State Department ordered family members and nonessential personnel to leave the US Embassy in Riyadh and other consulates in Saudi Arabia.
- On Friday, it further reduced US government personnel on diplomatic missions in the UAE, Lebanon, Qatar, and Jordan
A US official cited concerns about both Iranian plots and the possibility of Iran-backed Houthi rebels expanding their attacks beyond Saudi Arabia, after militant strikes on an airport complex in Riyadh this month killed 22 people and injured 380+ others.
Could the US respond in kind?
President Trump has continued to raise the possibility of renewed strikes, telling a Florida rally on Friday that the US could carry out another “little Operation Epic Fury” if Iran doesn’t agree to a peace deal. Trump has suggested he would hold off on attacking before next week’s midterm elections.
Behind the scenes, US military planners have reportedly drawn up options for a broader military campaign in Iran, including potential strikes on energy infrastructure and other sites vital to Iran’s economy.
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Sprinkles from the Left
- Some commentators argue that President Trump’s decision to delay potential military action against Iran until after the midterm elections risks undermining US credibility and gives Tehran an opening to escalate attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. They argue that the administration should clarify its objectives, explain how it plans to deter further attacks, and demonstrate that its approach to Iran is guided by national security rather than electoral considerations.
- Others contend that the war in Iran is illegal, lacks congressional authorization, and risks escalating conflict across the Middle East. They argue that while the war’s unpopularity could hurt Trump and Republicans in the midterms, voting alone won’t be enough; Americans must also pressure Congress to cut off funding for the war and push the administration toward a diplomatic solution.
- “Iran strategy should not be guided by a campaign calendar” –Baltimore Sun Editorial Board
- “Take Action October 20 to End the Illegal US-Israeli War on Iran” –Kevin Martin, Common Dreams
- “Trump looks to plunge us deeper into a misconceived Iran war after the midterms” –Trudy Rubin, Philadelphia Inquirer
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that renewed military action against Iran would be unwise without a clearer strategy; instead, the US should rethink its military presence in the Middle East. They argue the US should rely less on vulnerable regional bases and more on forces that can be deployed when needed, pairing military deterrence with economic pressure and diplomacy to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
- Others contend that Iran’s hard-line leaders have a reason to keep fighting the US, as the conflict helps them crack down on dissent and hold onto power. They argue that while a peace deal could help Iran’s struggling economy, it could also leave the regime more vulnerable to public protests and threaten its grip on power.
- “Iran war fever is rising again. The battlespace has changed.” –David Ignatius, WaPo
- “Why Iran’s regime fears peace more than war” –Hamid Enayat, Washington Examiner
- “Defensive and offensive missiles now vital in war” –Arthur Cyr, Deseret
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