US Intelligence Chief: Iran Has Increased Efforts to Target US Personnel in the Middle East

US Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton shared a memo stating that Iran has advanced its plans for lethal attacks against US citizens in the Middle East and other regions. This intelligence development has led the US State Department to decide to reduce staff at its diplomatic missions in the region for security reasons.

The memo, sent to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasized that Iran's threats against US personnel have increased. Officials stated that the evacuation of some embassy staff in Saudi Arabia took place due to Houthi attacks in the region and terror threats originating from Iran.

According to data from Saudi authorities, at least 21 people have lost their lives as a result of Houthi attacks since the beginning of October. In a missile attack on Riyadh Airport on October 10, 13 people died and 308 were injured. The Houthis argue that these attacks are in retaliation for the blockade and airstrikes implemented by Saudi Arabia.

Tensions in the region escalated following the air campaign launched by the US and Israel against Iran in February. The collapse of the temporary ceasefire reached in June, following the resumption of attacks on maritime trade, has triggered security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz and fluctuations in oil prices.