US intelligence agencies have warned that Iran has significantly intensified alleged efforts to assassinate American diplomats and senior officials in the Middle East and other parts of the world, according to an exclusive report published by Israel’s Channel 12 (N12) on 24 October 2026.
The report by Barak Ravid cites an internal memorandum addressed to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, indicating that some of the alleged assassination plots have reached an “advanced stage”.
US embassies reduce diplomatic staff
American officials told the Israeli broadcaster that the intelligence warnings were among the reasons behind the State Department’s decision to reduce staffing levels at diplomatic missions across the Middle East.
According to the report, families of diplomats and non-essential personnel were instructed to leave the US Embassy in Riyadh and the American consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
Staff reductions were also ordered at US embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar and Jordan.
Intelligence memorandum raises security concerns
According to N12, the one-page, unclassified memorandum calls for the intelligence to be shared more widely to ensure that American officials potentially facing threats are adequately informed.
However, the document does not identify specific assassination targets, countries outside the Middle East or operational details concerning the alleged plots.
The absence of these details leaves the precise nature and scope of the reported threats unclear.
Fears of renewed regional conflict
The report also states that Washington is concerned about the possibility of attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement expanding beyond Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, the possibility of further US and Israeli military operations against Iran is reportedly being considered, potentially after the US midterm elections.
Speaking at a rally in Florida on Friday, US President Donald Trump left open the possibility of another military operation against Iran.
However, he also indicated that Tehran could choose to pursue a diplomatic agreement instead.
The developments come amid heightened concerns over regional security, with the reported intelligence warnings raising questions about the safety of American diplomatic personnel and the potential for further escalation in the Middle East.
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