A recent US intelligence memo has revealed that Iran is in the advanced stages of plotting to assassinate American officials in the Middle East and other countries.
What happened
The memo, written by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, states that Iran has substantially increased its efforts to target US personnel, with lethal plotting efforts reaching advanced stages in several countries.
In response to the threat, the US State Department has reduced staff at its embassies in Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, citing increased threats from Yemen's Houthi rebels.
US officials have denied that the drawdowns are tied to potential new US and Israeli strikes on Iran, despite rumors that Donald Trump may resume strikes on Tehran after the midterm elections.
The memo's release comes amid a spike in oil prices and reports that the US and Israel have drawn up plans for a potential operation targeting Iran's nuclear sites and energy infrastructure.
