On June 22, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a warning about the heightened threat of terrorist attacks within the country due to the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. According to the department, the escalation of tensions with Iran caused by recent American military operations could trigger an upsurge in violence by “violent extremists” both inside and outside the United States. The warning is in effect until September 22 and emphasizes that the risk of attacks would increase if the Iranian government issues a fatwa calling for retaliation for U.S. actions. In addition, DHS expressed concern about possible cyber attacks orchestrated by Tehran aimed at critical U.S. infrastructure.

The alarm was triggered by the escalating confrontation between Washington and Tehran, particularly following the US strikes on Iranian military facilities announced the day before by US President Donald Trump. The agency specifically noted that Iran could step up efforts to target US officials whom Tehran holds responsible for the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force. Soleimani was killed in a US airstrike in Baghdad in January 2020, and remains a sore subject for the Iranian leadership. According to intelligence, Tehran continues to plan retaliatory operations, including possible attacks on senior Pentagon and State Department officials.

Bloomberg, citing sources in the intelligence community, reports that Iranian intelligence services have stepped up recruitment of agents in Western countries, including the United States, in recent months to prepare for sabotage. In particular, attention is being paid to radical groups that may operate under the guise of local protest movements. In addition, American authorities have recorded an increase in cyber activity associated with Iranian hacker groups. According to the cybersecurity company FireEye, in May 2025, hackers believed to be linked to Iran attempted to attack the servers of energy companies in Texas and California, which could have been part of preparations for larger operations.

The DHS alert emphasizes that potential terrorist attacks could target public places such as shopping malls, transportation hubs, and government buildings. In response, major cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Washington have stepped up security. New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced additional patrols in subways and train stations, as well as inspections of suspicious objects. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has begun coordinating with local law enforcement to monitor radical communities.