DHS warns of possible Iranian terror attacks on American soil as threat level soars following President Trump’s decisive military strikes against nuclear facilities.
Key Takeaways
- The Department of Homeland Security issued a nationwide alert warning of a “heightened threat environment” in the U.S. following American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
- Pro-Iranian hacktivists and government-affiliated cyber actors are likely to conduct attacks against U.S. networks, potentially targeting critical infrastructure, energy, and finance sectors.
- Iran continues to target U.S. officials it blames for the death of military commander Qassem Soleimani in January 2020, with multiple Iranian-backed plots disrupted since then.
- Major U.S. cities are increasing security measures at political and cultural sites in anticipation of potential attacks.
- The terrorism advisory bulletin remains in effect from June 22 to September 22, 2025.
Immediate Threat Response Following Iranian Strikes
The Department of Homeland Security issued an urgent terrorism advisory bulletin on Sunday, June 22, warning Americans about increased threats following U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The bulletin, effective through September 22, 2025, outlines specific concerns about potential retaliatory actions from Iran and its proxies on American soil. Major cities across the United States have already begun bolstering security around government buildings, Jewish community centers, and other potential targets as intelligence agencies monitor for suspicious activities.
The DHS bulletin explicitly warns that “the ongoing Iran conflict is causing a heightened threat environment in the United States. Low-level cyberattacks 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 says,” stated DHS bulletin.
Cyber Warfare and Infrastructure Concerns
Cybersecurity experts are warning that Iranian-backed hackers may target critical American infrastructure as a primary means of retaliation. These attacks could potentially disrupt essential services like electricity, water systems, and financial institutions with minimal risk to the attackers. Security agencies have identified unpatched systems as particularly vulnerable entry points for Iranian cyber operators, who have demonstrated increasingly sophisticated capabilities in recent years. The threat assessment suggests that attacks could range from website defacements to more serious breaches affecting daily American life.
“Iran might first target energy and finance for maximum disruption — public pain points that cripple daily life,” said Theresa Payton, who served as White House chief information officer under former President George W. Bush, told The Washington Times.
U.S. law enforcement agencies have successfully disrupted multiple Iranian-backed plots since 2020, demonstrating the persistent threat posed by Tehran’s operatives. The DHS bulletin specifically notes Iran’s “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.” These ongoing assassination attempts highlight the personal vendetta Iran maintains against specific American officials, potentially putting them at heightened risk during this period of escalation.
Domestic Terrorism Concerns Amid Rising Tensions
The DHS bulletin also addresses the potential for domestic terrorism inspired by the current conflict. Recent terrorist attacks within the United States have been motivated by anti-Semitic or anti-Israel sentiments, raising concerns that the escalating Israel-Iran conflict could trigger copycat violence. The advisory warns that extremists might target locations perceived as Jewish, pro-Israel, or connected to the U.S. government or military. Foreign terrorist organizations have already called for attacks against American assets and personnel throughout the Middle East.
“If You See Something, Say Something®” stated the Department of Homeland Security.
The nationwide alert comes after President Trump announced targeted military strikes against Iran’s nuclear development facilities, following similar Israeli actions against Iranian targets. The president’s decisive military response represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict with Iran, which has long pursued nuclear weapons capabilities despite international condemnation. Security analysts believe Iran’s response could include conventional attacks on U.S. military personnel stationed throughout the Middle East or asymmetric tactics like terrorism and cyberattacks on the American homeland.
Public Vigilance and Preparation
Homeland Security officials are urging Americans to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to local law enforcement. The Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative has been activated to help identify and report potential terrorism threats before they materialize. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed about developing situations and follow basic security protocols for their personal safety. DHS’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has also published recommended cybersecurity practices for businesses and individuals to protect against potential Iranian digital intrusions.
The terrorism advisory system serves as an essential tool for alerting Americans to homeland security threats, providing timely information without causing unnecessary alarm. Security experts emphasize that public awareness and cooperation remain critical components of the national defense strategy against both foreign and domestic terrorism threats. As tensions with Iran continue to escalate, these public-private partnerships will be increasingly important for maintaining American security both at home and abroad.
