Clayton: Iran Spent $2 Billion More on Lethal Plots

Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton warned on Friday that Iran has increased spending by $2 billion to fund plots against American personnel abroad. In a memo to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Clayton stated that these lethal efforts have moved into advanced stages in the Middle East and other nations. CIA Director John Ratcliffe was copied on the document.

"The lethal plotting efforts by the Iranians against U.S. citizens have reached advanced stages in both the Middle East and certain other countries," Clayton wrote. The memo did not identify specific targets or locations. It also did not state whether an attack was imminent. Clayton noted that intelligence teams are working to declassify sensitive data so State Department staff can review it more easily.

The warning arrives as the Trump administration considers resuming military strikes against Iran. The U.S. has recently tightened security at diplomatic and military sites in the region. Earlier this week, the State Department ordered non-essential embassy staff and their families to leave Saudi Arabia. Several other embassies in the area switched to restricted operations status to reduce their staffing levels.

A U.S. official told CBS News on Friday that the department constantly evaluates new security information. The official said that threats from Houthi attacks and Iranian terror plots are driving staffing decisions at embassies on restricted operations. Another official said the military has been quietly shrinking its presence at Middle East posts due to continuing threats.

Iran-backed Houthi militants have targeted oil infrastructure and airports in Saudi Arabia. One strike earlier this month on King Khalid Airport in Riyadh killed several people, including a U.S. citizen, and injured hundreds. Last weekend, U.S. embassies in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates took protective steps in response to these attacks.

The United States and Iran have avoided direct strikes in recent weeks. However, President Trump has not ruled out restarting hostilities after next month's midterm elections. Iran continues to claim responsibility for attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

At a campaign rally in Florida on Friday, Trump suggested another operation could follow if Tehran does not reach an agreement. "We may do another little Epic Fury, or they'll agree," the president said. He was referring to the U.S. military campaign launched in February.