Report: Iran steps up efforts to assassinate U.S. officials in Middle East, officials say

U.S. sources have informed The New York Times that some Iranian assassination plots against U.S. officials are in advanced stages. Haaretz reports that the United States is reducing its embassy staff in the region due to these threats, noting that Iran may have operatives within the U.S. and targets in Europe. Meanwhile, Ajel English reports that oil prices have risen more than $3 to a near six-month high due to fears of energy supply disruptions in the Middle East.

Middle East Eye reports that UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is redoubling diplomatic efforts to find a solution to the Iran war, stating the conflict has lasted too long and is driving up bills for British families. Additionally, Premium Times reports that ministers from Europe and the Middle East have urged restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy while cautioning against further attacks on Tehran.

According to the Jerusalem Post, both the Biden and Trump administrations made several requests to SpaceX regarding its Starlink service. During the Biden presidency, requests included turning the service off to prevent Iranian proxy militias in Yemen and Lebanon from using it, as well as activating it to provide internet access in Ukraine and Iran.

A former senior Trump official stated that the Trump administration also asked Elon Musk to make Starlink available in Iran following US-Israeli strikes in 2025 and 2026 to support anti-government protesters.

Brief written by urgent.news from Haaretz, Jerusalem Post, Premium Times, Ajel English, Middle East Eye — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.