The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a National Terrorism Advisory on Sunday, suggesting that extremists linked to Iran may be planning retaliatory actions on U.S. soil following the recent B-2 bombings targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities.
This comes amid concerns that past U.S. administrations have inadequately secured the southern borders, which, combined with increased immigration related to terrorism and the release of numerous Iranians back into their country, has set a worrying stage for potential threats.
In comments on Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeschkian stated that in response to the U.S. strike, action must be taken. He noted, “The United States attacked us. What will you do in such a situation? Of course, there has to be a reaction to their attack.”
Reports suggest that the Iranian regime might respond by closing the Strait of Hormuz, which would have severe implications for global oil and gas supplies. Iranian state media indicated that the parliament considered this move, although the final decision rests with the national security council.
There is also speculation that Iran could explore alternative means of vengeance as it has engaged in patterns of targeting Americans previously accused of actions against Iranian nationals.
The DHS alert warned that if Iranian leaders incite violent retaliation through religious decrees, there’s a heightened risk that extremists in the U.S. could act out independently. “The ongoing Iranian conflict,” the bulletin stated, “is creating an increasingly dangerous environment in the U.S.”
Furthermore, the bulletin highlighted Iran’s long-standing intent to target U.S. officials they believe have a hand in the killing of a prominent Iranian commander in 2020.
It’s not the first time Iran has plotted violent actions domestically. For instance, in 2024, it was alleged that Pakistani extremists were brought from Iran to the U.S. to avenge the death of General Qasem Soleimani, killed in a U.S. airstrike in 2020. An individual named Asif Raza was arrested for conspiracy to murder governmental officials, including Trump.
In previous actions, Iran’s intelligence services targeted critics residing in the U.S., with cases involving an American national in California.
The chief patrol agent for the San Diego Border Patrol disclosed to the House Homeland Security Committee that the Biden administration has not publicly shared key information regarding unlawful immigrants linked to terrorism, as part of an effort to downplay border issues.
Heitke noted a significant rise in “Special Interest Aliens,” or SIAs, related to terrorism, specifically in San Diego, which jumped from an average of 10 to 15 cases annually to over 100 in recent years. He expressed frustration about being discouraged from discussing this surge during the current administration.
A House member emphasized the lack of information on apprehensions regarding individuals linked to terrorism, leading to questions about the administration’s approach to public safety.
Data from Border Patrol indicated that over 700 Iranians who entered the U.S. illegally under the current administration were sent back to Iran.
In addressing concerns over national safety amid the ongoing Israeli-Iranian tensions, Secretary of Homeland Security Christie Noem reminded the public that such conflicts could lead to increased risks, including potential cyberattacks and violence against individuals and communities perceived as linked to the U.S. government.
