The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released a terrorism alert highlighting the potential for retaliation attacks by Iran following significant U.S. military airstrikes targeting Tehran’s nuclear program on Saturday night, June 21, during an operation dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer.
DHS officials are advising heightened vigilance over the next three months, particularly in light of the ongoing tensions in the Israel-Iran conflict.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem emphasized the agency’s commitment to keeping the nation informed during times of conflict.
“It is our duty to keep the nation safe and informed, especially during times of conflict,” stated Noem in a bulletin posted on the DHS’ website on June 22.
She warned that the conflict may lead to increased threats to the homeland, including potential cyberattacks, acts of violence, and antisemitic hate crimes.
In retaliation to the U.S. strikes, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has made explicit threats against the United States, asserting that the strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites would incur “everlasting consequences.”
Araghchi took to his X account to express outrage over what he termed a grave violation of international law and the UN Charter by the United States.
“The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences,” he wrote.
He urged the international community to recognize the dangers posed by what he describes as lawless U.S. actions and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to defend its sovereignty and people under the provisions of the UN Charter.
Operation Midnight Hammer involved a comprehensive assault that included the deployment of an unprecedented flight of B-2 stealth bombers.
Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reported that 14 massive bunker busters were utilized in the airstrikes, marking the largest operational flight since 2001.
In addition, a U.S. submarine launched over two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles targeting key infrastructure in Isfahan as U.S. forces penetrated Iranian airspace.
Caine reported, “We are currently unaware of any shots fired at the U.S. strike package on the way in.”
He observed that Iranian defenders did not engage, and U.S. forces maintained the element of surprise throughout the operation.
Approximately 75 precision-guided weapons were employed, demonstrating the scale and intensity of the attack.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth downplayed concerns over the potential for an open-ended conflict as a result of the strikes.
He communicated that President Donald Trump has directed this operation with a clear objective, emphasizing a commitment to peace rather than prolonged engagement.
“As the president has directed, made clear, this is most certainly not open-ended. It doesn’t mean it limits our ability to respond. We will respond if necessary,” Hegseth told reporters on June 22.
Hegseth asserted that President Trump desires peace and has issued messages to Iran outlining the steps required to achieve a diplomatic resolution.
“What the President gave us, as I said, was a focused, powerful and clear mission on the destruction of Iranian nuclear capabilities. Those were the targets. That’s what was struck. That was overwhelming,” he remarked.
Hegseth concluded by noting that both public and private messages are being communicated to Iran, creating opportunities for diplomatic dialogue.
“They understand precisely what the American position is, precisely what steps they can take to allow for peace and we hope they do so.”
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