US sounds alarm on Iran, orders diplomats to rally global crackdown

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has instructed American diplomats worldwide to press foreign governments to act swiftly against Iran and its affiliated groups, citing what officials describe as an “elevated risk of attack,” says a private cable obtained by ABC News.

The directive, sent on March 16 to all US diplomatic and consular posts, is labeled an “action request” under the heading “Elevated Concern of IRGC Activity,” referring to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. It calls on diplomats to deliver a coordinated message “at the highest appropriate level” by March 20.

The cable urges foreign governments to “move expeditiously to diminish the capabilities of Iran and Iran-aligned terrorist groups from attacking our respective nations and citizens.” While it does not specify the basis for the heightened threat assessment, it emphasizes that collective international action is the most effective response.

“We assess that the Iranian regime is more sensitive to collective action than unilateral action, and that joint pressure is more likely to compel behavior change by the regime than unilateral actions alone,” the cable states.

The instruction comes as the administration of President Donald Trump seeks to expand global backing for its military campaign against Iran, including efforts to assemble a coalition to fully open the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said on March 16 that a list of participating countries would be announced soon.

Rubio’s message underscores the urgency of the moment: “We must act while international attention is focused now to end the Iranian campaign of terror in the Middle East and globally. Do not allow this critical movement to pass.”

In a statement, a State Department spokesperson said, “President Trump is focused on securing peace in the Middle East. The IRGC, Hezbollah, and other Iranian-backed proxies destabilize government and undermine regional peace.”

The cable further directs diplomats to highlight Iran’s longstanding role in regional instability, including its support for groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iraqi militias. It also outlines the objectives of “Operation Epic Fury,” which include “neutralize Iran's nuclear program, destroy its ballistic missile program, disrupt its proxy networks, and diminish its naval capabilities.”

Diplomats are advised that, “At post's discretion, advocacy efforts should be coordinated with Israeli diplomatic counterparts,” and that the talking points “may not be left behind.”

Additionally, US officials are instructed to encourage governments that have not yet designated the IRGC and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations to “swiftly” do so. The cable argues that such a step would “intensify the pressure on the Iranian regime and limit its ability to sponsor terror activities across the globe that jeopardizes the safety and security of your populations.”

“The IRGC has directly orchestrated terrorist and assassination plots on foreign soil and engaged in ongoing espionage and influence operations,” the cable adds. “These plots are intentional acts designed to intimidate populations and inflict harm on your civilians.”

By Vafa Guliyeva