US Orders Embassy Staff Cuts in Middle East After Intelligence Warnings

The US State Department has ordered staffing reductions at its embassies in the Middle East following intelligence warnings of Iranian plans to target American officials and diplomats.

The orders call for embassies to retain only essential personnel, reducing the US diplomatic presence in the region amid concerns over staff safety.

The intelligence warnings concern potential targeting of American personnel, rather than any attack described as having already taken place. No details were provided about the alleged plans or how they were assessed.

The information available did not identify which embassies would be affected, how many employees would leave or when the staffing reductions would take effect.