World · India Bureau
US warns of heightened Iranian threat to diplomats across West Asia
American intelligence agencies have flagged a substantial escalation in Iranian efforts to target US diplomatic personnel in the Middle East. The US State Department has ordered all non-essential staff to evacuate Saudi Arabia in response to the security concerns.
LSN India ·
US intelligence agencies have raised fresh alarms over Iranian threats targeting American diplomats and officials stationed across West Asia, according to classified assessments circulated among senior government officials. The memo, which underscores mounting regional tensions, indicates that Tehran has significantly intensified its operations aimed at American diplomatic missions and personnel in the region.
In response to the elevated threat assessment, the State Department has directed all non-emergency staff to leave Saudi Arabia, the regional hub for American diplomatic operations. The evacuation order reflects the seriousness with which US officials are treating the intelligence warnings and marks a rare step indicating deep concerns about personnel safety.
The move comes amid broader US-Iran tensions that have persisted since Washington withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord. Intelligence officials have previously documented Iranian efforts to conduct surveillance and plan operations against American interests across the Gulf region, though the current assessment suggests a marked increase in such activities.
The US maintains significant diplomatic presence across West Asia, with Saudi Arabia serving as a key operational centre for American diplomatic and intelligence work. The evacuation of non-essential personnel is expected to impact bilateral relations and ongoing diplomatic engagements in the region, while security details around remaining diplomatic staff have reportedly been reinforced.