Iran trying harder to target US personnel in Middle East, intelligence chief warns

October 24, 2026

The US Director of National Intelligence has warned that Iran has significantly ramped up efforts to target American personnel throughout the Middle East and beyond, with plotting reaching advanced stages. This assessment prompted the State Department to adjust staffing levels at regional diplomatic posts, including ordering non-emergency personnel to leave the US embassy in Saudi Arabia. The staffing changes respond to intensifying attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces against Saudi Arabia, which have killed at least 21 people since October, including a deadly missile strike on Riyadh's airport.

Who is affected

US personnel and citizens in the Middle East and other countries
Non-emergency US embassy staff in Saudi Arabia (ordered to depart)
At least 21 people killed in Houthi attacks on Saudi airports since October
13 people killed and 308 injured in the October 10 Riyadh airport attack
Approximately 155 civilians killed in Yemen since July
Global oil and gas markets (affected by Strait of Hormuz disruptions)

What action is being taken

US State Department is making staffing adjustments at diplomatic posts in the region
Intelligence Director Jay Clayton is downgrading intelligence to share with State Department personnel
US officials are constantly evaluating security information for embassy staffing decisions
The Houthis are conducting missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia

Why it matters

This represents a significant escalation in Iranian threats against US personnel, with intelligence indicating that lethal plots have reached advanced stages. The situation threatens American diplomatic staff abroad and reflects broader regional instability that impacts global energy markets, as disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz affect approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supply, causing oil prices to surge.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC