WASHINGTON, D.C. – Iran could target US officials if regime’s survival is at risk, warns DHS.
Breaking: New DHS Bulletin Reveals Potential Threats
A recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) bulletin obtained by CNN indicates that Iran may attempt to target US government officials if Iranian leaders perceive a threat to the regime’s stability or survival. This finding highlights growing concerns over possible retaliatory actions amid escalating tensions between the two nations.
Immediate Impact
The DHS bulletin, dated June 22, outlines scenarios where Iran might target US officials, particularly if Tehran believes they are involved in the deaths of senior Iranian leaders or if US airstrikes persist. The document, distributed to state and local law enforcement, underscores the potential for violent backlash against US civilian government officials.
“It is our duty to keep the nation safe and informed, especially during times of conflict,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Key Details Emerge
On Monday, Iran reportedly fired missiles towards a US military base in Qatar, retaliating against US strikes on Iran. This incident is part of a broader pattern of escalating military engagements between the two countries.
The DHS bulletin is one of the clearest indications yet of potential violent repercussions following the US decision to target Iranian nuclear sites. While the bulletin does not specify what form these threats might take, past allegations suggest attempts to assassinate former President Donald Trump and his national security adviser, John Bolton.
Industry Response
According to sources, the bulletin’s release comes as US law enforcement reassesses known or suspected Hezbollah associates within the country, seeking possible threats as tensions with Iran rise.
“In the short-term, we are most concerned that Iran-aligned hacktivists will conduct low-level cyberattacks against US networks,” the DHS bulletin noted.
Background Context
This development builds on a history of strained US-Iran relations, particularly following the 2020 US military strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. The incident has since prompted increased security measures for former Trump administration officials.
Meanwhile, intelligence reports have previously led to heightened security for Trump, especially during his presidential campaign. However, these precautions did not prevent a security lapse at a 2024 rally in Pennsylvania.
Expert Analysis
Security experts warn that Iran’s security services often employ hacking to gather intelligence for potential assassination or surveillance targets. This strategy was reportedly used in 2022 to track Bolton’s movements as part of an alleged assassination plot.
What Comes Next
The timing is particularly significant because of the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, which raises the possibility of increased threats to the US homeland. The DHS bulletin warns of potential cyberattacks and acts of violence, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
Days before the US strikes on Iran, officials were already reexamining potential threats from Hezbollah associates in the US.
As tensions continue to mount, the international community watches closely for further developments. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for rapid changes in the geopolitical landscape.
