US Cuts Embassy Staff in 7 Mideast Countries as Iran Plots Reach Advanced Stages
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Oct 24
US Cuts Embassy Staff in 7 Mideast Countries as Iran Plots Reach Advanced Stages
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Oct 24
Summary
Seven Middle East posts — Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Lebanon — have reduced US staffing after intelligence warned Iran was in advanced stages of plotting attacks on Americans.
A memo from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tehran had substantially increased efforts to target US personnel overseas, with threats in the Middle East at their highest level since the February war began.
US officials told media some potential targets were identified in Europe and Iranian operatives may already be active inside the United States, though one official said Iran lacks the capacity to execute all of its ambitions.
The alert comes as Washington and Israel signal they could launch another campaign against Iran after next month's midterm elections, while Tehran has warned of a more offensive response and possible strikes on Gulf communications cables.
As the US quietly reduces Middle East troops amid Iranian threats, could this strategic shift trigger a massive global oil crisis?
With embassies scaling back across the Middle East, how will stranded citizens navigate escalating proxy conflicts and restricted consular access?
Does the sudden withdrawal of American diplomatic staff signal preparations for a broader military confrontation rather than just a defensive maneuver?