US Officials Reportedly Briefed on Threat Against Pentagon Leaders

U.S. military, intelligence, and law enforcement officials were briefed last month about a threat against the Pentagon's most senior leaders — at home and while traveling, NBC News reported.

Citing five unnamed officials, NBC News reported the briefings suggested the still-active threat might be potential retaliation for the military's assassination of Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani in January — and it targets military leaders involved in the decision.

Defense Secretary Mark Esper has been traveling in the Middle East and South Asia this week, but the trip was shrouded in even more secrecy than usual, suggesting a possible security concern, NBC News reported.

The threat briefings of FBI, CIA and military officials took place after an incident Sept. 22 involving a senior leader at the Defense Department, NBC News reported.

The senior leader was followed by a vehicle with Virginia license plates, the driver of which was identified as an Iranian national, NBC News reported. At times, this person drove very aggressively, according to a Pentagon report, the news outlet reported.

The Pentagon and the FBI disagree about whether it was a serious attempt to target the Defense Department leader, NBC News reported.

The account aligns with a Politico report in September about intelligence officials warning U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Lana Marks about a general threat against her life, possibly in connection to Soleimani's killing.

• Iran Vows 'Hit' on All Involved in US Killing of Soleimani
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