The Obama administration has begun an effort to explain the Iranian-backed plot to other countries in hopes of using the alleged event to further isolate the Iranian regime, U.S. officials say.

The State Department this morning called in ambassadors and representatives from foreign embassies in Washington to explain the alleged plot and to make the case for coordinated action going forward.

Similarly, a secret cable was sent by Deputy Secretary of State William Burns to U.S. embassies and consulates abroad instructing them to explain the charges in foreign capitals with the same goal in mind. The cable was first reported by the Associated Press. The cable also includes instructions to make the case for coordinated action against Iran, a senior U.S. official said. 

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Tuesday said the alleged Iranian-backed plot to kill the Saudi ambassador to Washington was reason to rally the international community around coordinated action against Tehran.

“We will be consulting with our friends and partners around the world about for how we can send a very strong message that this kind of action, which violates international norms, must be ended,” she said.

Clinton added that “other areas where we can cooperate more closely in order to send a strong message to Iran and further isolate it from the international community will also be considered.”