Iran in ‘Advanced Stages’ of Planning Attacks Against Americans, Officials Say

JUST IN: Iran in 'advanced stages' of planning attacks against Americans, US officials say, as Washington orders diplomats and federal employees to leave Saudi Arabia and draws down staff across the region.

US officials say Iran is in advanced stages of planning attacks on Americans.

That warning is driving real decisions tonight. Washington has ordered diplomats and federal employees out of Saudi Arabia, and it is drawing down staff at posts across the Middle East. The State Department does not empty embassies on a hunch. This is the kind of move that follows intelligence officials believe is credible and specific.

The regional picture makes it heavier. Riyadh hosts thousands of American personnel and contractors, and a drawdown there signals Washington thinks US citizens on Saudi soil could be targets, not bystanders. Tehran has not responded publicly to the claim.

What we know for certain is this. The United States is pulling its own people out of the region before anything has happened. Governments do that when they believe the window to act is closing, not when they expect calm.

This is Sara White, reporting for HIT.