Jay Clayton, the US intel chief, said Friday that Iran has "substantially increased efforts to target US personnel" abroad, CBS News, the BBC and Axios reported. His one-page memo went to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. It said lethal plots have reached "advanced stages" in the Middle East and other countries.

The memo does not name targets. It also does not say if an attack is near, Axios and CBS News reported. Clayton said spies are working to share more of the intel with State staff. CIA Director John Ratcliffe got a copy, CBS News reported. Axios was first with the memo.

US officials say the intel is one reason staff is being cut at Middle East posts, Axios reported. Nonessential staff left Saudi Arabia earlier this week. On Friday the department ordered cuts in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar and Jordan, Axios reported. Houthi attacks and Iranian plots are driving the moves, CBS News and the BBC reported.

Houthi militants have hit Saudi airports and other sites this month, CBS News reported. The BBC said at least 21 people have died in those airport attacks since early October. President Trump said at a Florida rally that the United States "may do another little Operation Epic Fury" or Iran will take a deal, Axios and CBS News reported. The warning lands as Trump weighs whether to renew strikes on Iran after the midterms, the reports said. Officials have not said which posts face the highest risk.

What we know: Clayton's memo says Iranian plots against US staff are at advanced stages, and embassy staff is being cut.
What we don't: Where the plots are aimed, and whether any attack is near.