Iran attack threats have prompted heightened security at U.S. diplomatic facilities across the Middle East on Friday, as intelligence agencies warned that Tehran is in the advanced stages of planning strikes against Americans, according to officials.
A memo circulated by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton said agencies received intelligence indicating Iran has substantially increased efforts to target U.S. personnel in the region, and that similar threats extend to certain other countries as well, according to officials familiar with the assessment.
The warnings follow the U.S. decision earlier this week to order non-emergency government employees to depart Saudi Arabia, citing escalating danger as Iran-backed Houthi attacks intensify and the broader conflict between Washington and Tehran nears its eighth month.
The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis said it destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the group toward Taif and Yanbu.
Despite the rising tensions, an Iranian official told The Associated Press on Saturday that Tehran remains open to talks with the United States under a deal previously brokered by Pakistan in June. Reza Amiri Moghadam, Iran’s ambassador to Islamabad, said officials in Tehran would be prepared to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the Trump administration lifts its naval blockade, but he said Washington rejected the offer. Later in the day, Iranian state media denied that account.
U.S. officials have indicated that any new military strikes on Iran would be delayed until after the Nov. 3 midterm elections. The war’s impact on the U.S. economy has become a central political issue, with inflation and affordability topping voter concerns as control of Congress is on the line.
Iran attack threats ripple through oil markets
Energy prices climbed this week amid the tensions. Benchmark Brent crude futures rose above 116 dollars a barrel, a six-month high, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate gained 3.8 percent to settle above 103 dollars.
For Hawaiʻi, elevated oil prices can quickly filter into higher costs for fuel and electricity, adding pressure on household budgets and tourism-related businesses dependent on air travel and shipping.
