The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Sunday warned Americans that the Israel-Iran conflict is “causing a heightened threat environment in the United States” as the world awaits possible retaliation from Tehran over this weekend’s U.S. attack.
The latest National Terrorism Advisory System bulletin was issued by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about a day after President Donald Trump announced the U.S. hit three Iranian nuclear sites: Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan.
While DHS noted there were “no credible threats” against the U.S. currently, the department would remain on high alert.
“Low-level cyber attacks against U.S. networks by pro-Iranian hacktivists are likely, and cyber actors affiliated with the Iranian government may conduct attacks against U.S. networks,” the bulletin states. “Iran also has a long-standing commitment to target U.S. Government officials it views as responsible for the death of an Iranian military commander killed in January 2020.”
Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was one of the most powerful figures in the Middle East, was killed by a strike on Baghdad International Airport in Iraq ordered by Trump toward the end of his first term in office, prompting Iran to vow “severe revenge.”
The bulletin also noted that if Tehran were to issue a religious ruling calling for retaliatory violence against targets in the U.S., this could prompt individual supporters of the regime to take matters into their own hands.
“Multiple recent Homeland terrorist attacks have been motivated by anti-Semitic or anti-Israel sentiment, and the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict could contribute to U.S.-based individuals plotting additional attacks,” the advisory adds.
Noem said it is her department’s “duty to keep the nation safe and informed, especially during times of conflict.”
“The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict brings the possibility of increased threat to the homeland in the form of possible cyberattacks, acts of violence, and antisemitic hate crimes,” she added.
Meanwhile, the State Department on Sunday urged Americans overseas “to exercise increased caution” amid the latest developments in the Middle East.
“There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad,” it said.
Trump said Saturday night’s operation was a big success, claiming “Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.” But Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine warned that while the attack did inflict “extremely severe” damage, it is too early to determine its effect on Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran has pledged to respond, with Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi, the chief of joint staff of armed forces, suggesting Monday that Trump has given Tehran a “free hand” to “act against U.S. interests and its army,” according to The Associated Press.
