Beginning last Sunday, AlertsUSA subscribers were informed the Department of Homeland Security had issued a National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin, highlighting the evolving risks to national security driven by the United States’ direct involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict. While no specific, credible threats have been identified, the bulletin emphasizes the need for vigilance in the face of potential cyberattacks, targeted violence, and anti-Semitic hate crimes.
Cyber Threats
Within the bulletin, DHS warns that pro-Iranian hacktivists are likely to conduct low-level cyber operations against poorly secured US networks and Internet-connected devices, while more sophisticated attacks from cyber actors affiliated with the Iranian government remain a possibility. These threats could target critical infrastructure, government systems, or private sector entities, potentially disrupting essential services. The bulletin’s coverage of cyber risks shows the growing role of digital warfare in modern conflicts, where state and non-state actors exploit vulnerabilities to sow chaos or undermine public confidence.
Violent Extremism
Another focus is the potential for violent extremism within the United States. The bulletin notes that Iran has a long-standing commitment to targeting U.S. government officials it holds responsible for the death of an IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani in January 2020. While no specific plots have been identified, the possibility of retaliatory violence could escalate if Iranian leadership issues a religious ruling calling for attacks on U.S. soil. Such a directive could inspire lone offenders or small groups—motivated by anti-Israel or antisemitic sentiments—to mobilize independently. Recent terrorist incidents in the U.S., such as the killing of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, DC, and the fire bombing of pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado, underscore the urgency of this warning.
Terrorism
The bulletin also highlights the broader issue of domestic and foreign terrorist activity. Lone offenders and small groups, motivated by a mix of ideological beliefs and personal grievances, continue to pose a persistent threat to the homeland. This includes Al-Qaeda main, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, and the Islamic State, all of whom have issued recent calls for attack on Jews and Americans over the ongoing war in Gaza. DHS also warns that online discussion forums and social media platforms remain a breeding ground for violent extremist narratives, where both domestic actors and foreign terrorist organizations amplify calls for violence. The Israel-Iran conflict could further fuel these narratives, potentially leading to attacks on faith-based institutions, public gatherings, or government facilities.
DHS encourages the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement, FBI field offices, or fusion centers.
Deporting Iranian Illegals
As evidence of the level of concern of the federal government over the threat posed by Iranian and proxy sleeper cells, this week Immigration and Customs enforcement arrested more than 130 Iranian nationals in the country illegally. Among them was Ribvar Karimi, a former Iranian army sniper arrested in Alabama, who entered the US in 2024 on a fiancé visa and never adjusted his immigration status. Agents found him with an Iranian military ID. Another interesting pickup was Mehran Makari Saheli, a former IRGC member who admitted ties to Hezbollah and had a prior felony conviction.
These roundups are expected to continue for some time.
Readers should note that the conflict between Israel and Iran is not over. Iran, uninterested in peace, will adapt its tactics but not its core aims. Under its religious regime, Iran still seeks nuclear weapons, Israel's destruction, and regional dominance. These efforts continue beyond the recent battle.
AlertsUSA continues to monitor the national and international threat environment and will immediately notify service subscribers of any new alerts, warnings, or advisories that impact the overall threat picture for American citizens as events warrant. |
