US Embassies Raise Security Alerts as Iran Attack Warnings Grow Before Midterms

American diplomats across the Middle East are on heightened alert after reports that Iran has reached the advanced stages of planning attacks on Americans. A memo from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton says agencies have learned that Tehran has sharply stepped up efforts to target US personnel in the region, and that certain other countries are also at risk, according to a New York Times repor. The warnings arrived days after Washington told non emergency government employees to leave Saudi Arabia, as Houthi attacks worsen and the war between the US and Iran approaches its eighth month.

Saudi Coalition Intercepts Houthi Missiles Near Taif and Yanbu

The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Iran backed Houthis said it destroyed two ballistic missiles aimed at Taif and Yanbu. Even with tensions rising, an Iranian official told The Associated Press that Tehran is still open to talks under the deal reached in June with Pakistan’s help. Iran’s ambassador to Islamabad, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said his country would reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the US lifted its naval blockade, but claimed Washington rejected the offer. Iranian state media later denied the report.

Oil Prices Jump and Midterm Elections Raise the Stakes

The Trump administration has promised new military strikes on Iran once the November 3 midterm elections are over. The war has disrupted the American economy, and inflation and affordability are the biggest worries for voters who will decide control of Congress. Oil climbed sharply this week, with Brent crude topping $116 a barrel, a six month high, while West Texas Intermediate gained 3.8% to settle above $103.