WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a newly released bulletin, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) warns that Iran could potentially target U.S. government officials if the Iranian regime perceives a threat to its stability or survival.
Immediate Impact
According to the DHS bulletin, which was obtained by CNN, Iranian leaders might consider targeting U.S. officials if they believe these officials are involved in the deaths of senior Iranian figures or if they anticipate ongoing U.S. airstrikes. This alarming update was distributed to state and local law enforcement on June 22.
The announcement comes as tensions between the U.S. and Iran continue to escalate. On Monday, Iran launched missiles toward a U.S. military base in Qatar, reportedly in retaliation for recent U.S. strikes on Iranian targets.
Key Details Emerge
The DHS bulletin is one of the clearest indications yet of the potential for violent retaliation against U.S. officials following President Donald Trump’s decision to target Iranian nuclear sites. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the need to keep the nation informed during such conflicts.
“It is our duty to keep the nation safe and informed, especially during times of conflict,” Noem stated.
The bulletin, however, does not specify the exact nature of the potential targeting. Past allegations by the Justice Department have suggested that Iran may have attempted to assassinate former President Trump and his national security adviser, John Bolton, in response to the 2020 U.S. military strike that killed General Qasem Soleimani.
Background Context
The move represents a significant shift from previous Iranian threats, as the DHS notes that there has been no recent evidence of Tehran threatening such retaliatory actions. However, recent law enforcement actions may hinder Iran’s ability to execute any plots against U.S. officials in the short term.
President Trump recently stirred controversy by raising the topic of regime change in Iran, questioning the current regime’s ability to “MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN” in a social media post.
By the Numbers
DHS has warned of a “heightened threat environment” in the U.S., citing possibilities of low-level cyberattacks and lone-wolf attacks.
Iran’s security services have been known to use hacking as a tool for gathering intelligence on potential targets, as reported by Iran-focused cybersecurity experts. A former Trump official was reportedly hacked in 2022, potentially as part of an assassination plot.
Expert Analysis
Cybersecurity experts caution that Iran-aligned hacktivists may conduct low-level cyberattacks against U.S. networks, including distributed denial-of-service attacks. There is also concern over potential cyber or physical attacks against critical infrastructure.
Meanwhile, industry experts warn that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran could exacerbate threats to the U.S. homeland, increasing the risk of cyberattacks and antisemitic hate crimes.
What Comes Next
As tensions persist, U.S. law enforcement continues to monitor known or suspected Hezbollah associates within the country for any emerging threats. While there are currently no credible threats, the situation remains fluid.
The timing is particularly significant because it coincides with increased scrutiny of U.S. foreign policy decisions and their potential repercussions on national security.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the DHS bulletin, labeled “For Official Use Only,” adds crucial context to the department’s public warning about the current threat landscape.
The story will continue to develop as both nations navigate these tense diplomatic waters, with potential implications for international relations and domestic security.
