Iran has significantly stepped up efforts to target American personnel in the Middle East and other parts of the world, US national intelligence chief Jay Clayton has warned, raising fresh concerns over the security of US citizens overseas.

In a memo sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Clayton said US intelligence had received information indicating a substantial increase in Iranian efforts to target American personnel, according to a US official.

“The lethal plotting efforts by the Iranians against US citizens have reached advanced stages in both the Middle East and certain other countries,” the memo said.

The warning was first reported by Axios and comes amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran over regional security and Iran’s activities beyond its borders.

According to AFP, the intelligence assessment points to growing concerns within the US administration about potential threats to American personnel and citizens abroad. The warning did not publicly identify specific targets or countries where the alleged plots had reached advanced stages.

The development could further heighten security concerns for US diplomatic missions, military personnel and American citizens travelling or living in regions where Iranian influence and Washington’s strategic interests intersect.

BOB Post