Iran Plots Against Americans Escalate Ahead of Crown Jewel

U.S. intelligence officials have warned Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Iranian plans to attack Americans have reached advanced stages. Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton sent a memo to Rubio indicating a significant increase in Iranian efforts to target U.S. personnel.

The memo stated that intelligence agencies had received information showing Iran had substantially increased efforts to target U.S. personnel. The lethal plotting efforts against U.S. citizens have reached advanced stages in the Middle East and certain other countries.

U.S. officials assess the threat against Americans in the Middle East and elsewhere to be at its highest level since the war with Iran began in February. The intelligence includes potential targets outside the Middle East, including in Europe.

One official noted that Iran’s ambitions to carry out attacks exceeded its ability to do so. The warning adds to security concerns surrounding Saudi Arabia, where WWE is scheduled to stage Crown Jewel in Riyadh on November 7.

Nonessential U.S. Embassy personnel and their families have been ordered to leave Saudi Arabia. The drawdown was directly connected to recent intelligence concerning Iranian attack plans.

TKO executive chair Ari Emanuel said Crown Jewel remained scheduled to proceed. Emanuel said TKO has a team monitoring developments daily and that the company could move an event if circumstances required it.