Clayton Sends Urgent Iran Memo

US intelligence officials confirmed that the Department of State has received a formal warning about escalating threats from Tehran.

The timeline of this alert began on Thursday, October 23, when Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton sent a memorandum to Marco Rubio, who serves as both Secretary of State and National Security Adviser. A copy of the document was also transmitted to CIA Director John Ratcliffe. The memo, which was later obtained by Axios, notes that intelligence gathered from various sources indicates Iran has sharply increased its attempts to harm American personnel. Clayton stated in the text that these lethal plotting efforts have reached advanced stages in the Middle East and other unspecified nations.

Clayton included a specific caution in the note. He observed that the information regarding threats to government employees is relevant to a larger group of people than those currently holding the necessary security clearances. The underlying details had already been shared with senior staff in Rubio’s office who possessed the proper access. Clayton offered the Secretary of State a further briefing on the matter. He also committed to working quickly to declassify as much of the intelligence as possible. This process would allow Rubio to disseminate the warning to more State Department staff who might be at risk. The original document was marked unclassified and did not identify specific targets, attack methods, or countries outside the Middle East.

The warning arrives as Washington adjusts its diplomatic footprint in the region. The State Department is reducing its presence in several Middle Eastern posts due to fears of Iranian retaliation and potential new US military actions. Earlier this week, officials ordered nonessential employees and their families to depart Saudi Arabia following an escalation in Houthi attacks. Axios reported that similar orders were issued for embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar, and Jordan. CNN added on Friday that the US was accelerating the departure of diplomats and family members from these locations. Some of these individuals had only recently returned after earlier evacuations during the Iran war. The network also noted that Israel has urged Washington to launch fresh strikes on Iran, though those efforts have not yet succeeded.

President Donald Trump addressed the military option on Friday. He said the United States could conduct another operation similar to Operation Epic Fury if Tehran fails to reach an agreement. "We may do another little Epic Fury. Or they'll agree," Trump said.

The State Department continues to weigh additional military options while pursuing diplomatic channels to secure a deal with Iran.