The National Terrorism Advisory System has recently issued a warning regarding a “heightened threat environment in the United States” in light of U.S. military actions targeting Iran’s nuclear sites.
The alert, obtained by CBS News on Sunday, June 22, does not specify any immediate threats but cautions that low-level cyber attacks from pro-Iranian hacktivists are anticipated.
Furthermore, there is concern that cyber actors aligned with the Iranian government might undertake more significant attacks against U.S. networks.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem emphasized the importance of public safety, stating, “It is our duty to keep the nation safe and informed, especially during times of conflict.”
The ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran have raised fears about increased risks to homeland security, including potential cyberattacks, violent incidents, and antisemitic hate crimes, according to Noem’s statement on Sunday.
The advisory highlights that U.S. law enforcement has successfully disrupted numerous plots reportedly backed by Iranian entities since 2020.
In light of the current conflict, the bulletin suggests that violent extremists and individuals motivated by hate crimes may seek to target vulnerable locations.
The likelihood of U.S.-based extremists mobilizing for violence could escalate if Iranian leadership issues religious edicts calling for retribution against the United States.
This comprehensive threat assessment aims to keep the public informed about the current risks and offers resources for maintaining safety in this heightened threat climate.
Sources reveal that intelligence analysts developed this bulletin earlier this month, refining it through various iterations in response to escalating conflict or U.S. intervention.
The advisory follows recent military strikes by the U.S. on three Iranian nuclear facilities, which President Donald Trump characterized as necessary to counter “the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.”
President Trump advised Iran against retaliation and urged them to pursue a peace settlement in their conflict with Israel.
During his remarks at the White House, Trump stated there would be further military action against Iranian sites should peace efforts not proceed swiftly.
Prior to U.S. involvement, Iran had issued threats of retaliation if the U.S. joined Israel in its military operations, which began on June 13 with Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military installations.
Reports indicate that the conflict has resulted in over 650 deaths and approximately 2,000 injuries in Iran, as per figures from an Iranian human rights organization based in Washington.
Casualties in Israel have also been significant, with at least 24 fatalities and hundreds injured from Iranian missile and drone strikes, as estimated by the Israeli military.
The backdrop of this escalation is also the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, adding further complexity to the situation.
U.S. officials noted that the Iranian government has condemned the United States as complicit in Israel’s military actions and is expected to denounce any direct U.S. role in the conflict.
The bulletin raised concerns that the Israel-Iran clashes could inspire individuals within the United States to plan additional attacks, particularly following violent incidents targeting Jewish organizations and communities in recent months.
Law enforcement agencies had already warned in early June of the possibility that these attacks could incite further violence.
In response to the unfolding situation, law enforcement officials in New York City indicated they were deploying extra resources to safeguard certain locations.
The NYPD reiterated their commitment to monitoring the situation in Iran, stating, “Out of an abundance of caution, we’re deploying additional resources to religious, cultural, and diplomatic sites across NYC and coordinating with our federal partners.
We will continue to monitor for any potential impact to NYC.”
This bulletin has now been publicly shared by the Department of Homeland Security, marking a significant step in informing citizens of the ongoing risks.
image source from：cbsnews
