A US intelligence memo sent to the Secretary of State warns that Iranian plots against American personnel in the Middle East have reached 'advanced stages,' prompting the departure of diplomats and staff from Saudi Arabia and other regional missions. President Trump is now hinting the US could launch strikes on Iran as soon as Sunday — or reach a major deal with Tehran — while the Pentagon has reportedly drafted attack plans and Tehran warns that any limited strike would trigger a response 'several times greater.' Iran has refused to allow American warships close proximity and floated Pakistani-brokered talks even as it sabre-rattles, with threats against undersea cables and US infrastructure. The regional spillover is widening: Houthi missile and drone attacks hit Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Aden, Saudi airstrikes killed at least 11 in Yemen, Riyadh's main airport was disrupted, and Iranian leadership blames the US for the collapse of talks. Oil markets, already rattled, are bracing for renewed fighting, with an eight-month conflict showing no sign of the quick end that was promised.
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