U.S. warns Jerusalem embassy of Iranian plots to target American officials

New U.S. security warnings went out overnight Friday into Saturday to diplomatic missions across the Middle East — including the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem — after intelligence reports of Iranian attempts to target senior U.S. government officials in the region, Ynet reports.

The warnings also covered U.S. missions in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain. Americans were urged to exercise heightened vigilance and prepare for flight cancellations, airspace closures and a rapid escalation in fighting. The alerts also flagged the growing Houthi threat after attacks on Saudi airports and infrastructure.

Last month the U.S. director of national intelligence warned Iran had stepped up efforts to target Americans abroad, with some assassination plots reaching advanced stages. The administration has already ordered staffing cuts at several regional missions. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem told Americans to know their nearest protected shelter and download Israel's Home Front Command app, while saying consular services in Israel continue as usual.