US Pulls Personnel From Mideast Bases Amid Iran Plot Warning

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - US intelligence agencies have determined that Iranian preparations to attack Americans throughout the Middle East have reached advanced stages, Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton told Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a memo on Friday, prompting a sudden evacuation of diplomats and military personnel from embassies and bases across the region as the Trump administration prepares to resume military operations against Iran following the November 3 midterm elections.

"Iran has substantially increased efforts to target US personnel," Clayton wrote. "The lethal plotting efforts by the Iranians against US citizens have reached advanced stages in both the Middle East and certain other countries."

The US ordered the departure of diplomats and staff from its embassy in Saudi Arabia and other countries in recent days, citing Houthi threats initially before confirming that suspected Iranian terror plots targeting US personnel informed the embassy departure decisions. The US also evacuated personnel from military bases across the region in preparation for renewed fighting, according to officials familiar with the planning. Earlier this month, the US evacuated bomber aircraft from a base in the United Kingdom because of intelligence about an Iranian plot to attack aircraft and personnel.

The State Department updated travel advisories for 13 Middle Eastern countries on Friday over concerns about Iran and the Houthis.

Trump's "Epic Fury" Signal

President Trump told a crowd at a Florida rally on Friday: "We may do another little 'Epic Fury'," using the name of the original US military campaign against Iran that began in February 2026. Trump is leaning toward a return to major combat operations, officials said, though no final decision has been made. He has been briefed on a series of options prepared by the Pentagon, ranging from striking nuclear facilities and infrastructure such as bridges, to conducting assaults on islands controlled by Iran.

The Military Buildup

The Wall Street Journal observed a large shipment of standoff land attack missiles and bunker buster bombs arrive aboard the USS George Washington in the Arabian Sea, a sign that the ship's air wing is preparing for a significantly larger bombing campaign. "We are always prepared," said Captain Nicholas DeLeo, commanding officer of the USS George Washington. "We're always paying attention, focused on our surroundings and ready to react reflexively or proactively."

Two aircraft carrier strike groups are currently in the Middle East, with a third, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, on the way from the Pacific. When the additional carrier strike group and Marine Expeditionary Unit arrive in the theater, the US will have more than two dozen Navy ships operating in the Middle East, according to a Navy official. The US is also bringing in another amphibious assault ship loaded with Marines, expanding Trump's options to seize territory should he choose to do so.

Iran's Warning

Iranian FM Araghchi posted on social media in recent days: "Last time you wanted to 'finish the job', Iran emerged even stronger. Want to try your luck again? Be our guest. But be careful; we have unfinished jobs too." Tehran has long promised retaliation if the US resumes attacks.

Critics warned that another wave of missile attacks will not compel Tehran to surrender its nuclear programme but would raise global energy prices, which are already elevated with Brent crude above $117 a barrel and diesel at a national average of $6.31 per gallon.

Trump has threatened significant escalation before only to pull back in favor of negotiations, tightening sanctions, and continuing the blockade of Iranian trade in the Strait of Hormuz. White House officials have previously said there would be no renewed operations against Iran before November 3.