American counterterrorism officials are quietly increasing surveillance on possible extremist sleeper networks inside the United States after recent joint military strikes by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. Reports citing security experts say authorities are concerned that operatives or supporters connected to Iran could attempt retaliation.
Law enforcement agencies at both the federal and local levels have responded by strengthening security in several major American cities. Officials say the move is precautionary and emphasize that, so far, no confirmed or credible threats have been publicly identified.
The heightened vigilance follows a major military operation carried out over the weekend known as Operation Epic Fury, which reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with several senior Iranian officials during a coordinated strike involving U.S. and Israeli forces. Analysts warn that the consequences of such a major event could extend well beyond the Middle East.
Former FBI assistant director Chris Swecker told Fox News that if groups supported by Iran were ever going to attempt an attack on American soil, the current moment could be a potential trigger. According to Swecker, organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas have maintained some level of presence in the United States for decades and are closely tied to Iranian support.
Swecker also stated that U.S. law enforcement has long been aware of individuals and networks inside the country that sympathize with these groups. He argued that the presence of such supporters could make it easier for extremist elements to act if tensions escalate.
Meanwhile, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has increased its domestic security posture. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on social media that counterterrorism and intelligence units were placed on heightened alert following the recent developments involving Iran. Patel said he ordered teams to mobilize additional security resources if needed.
He explained that while the U.S. military focuses on protecting forces overseas, the FBI’s role is to prevent attacks within the United States. According to Patel, the bureau will continue monitoring potential threats around the clock.
Former FBI supervisory special agent Jason Pack said that such security preparations are routine when the U.S. engages militarily with adversaries that often rely on indirect retaliation. Pack noted that intelligence agencies plan for these types of scenarios well in advance of any conflict.
He added that groups connected to Iran — including Hezbollah, international Hamas networks, and proxies linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps — have historically shown both the motivation and, in some cases, the capability to respond to American military actions.
At the state level, Greg Abbott, governor of Texas, said authorities are carefully evaluating the possibility that Iranian-linked sleeper cells could be operating within the state. His comments came after a violent incident in Austin where a shooting left two people dead and fourteen others injured.
Investigators are examining whether the attack could have connections to terrorism. Authorities reported that the suspect was wearing clothing displaying the phrase “Property of Allah” along with imagery resembling the Iranian flag.
Abbott said Texas officials had already warned residents earlier that the state was closely monitoring the potential for lone-actor or terrorist-related violence following the escalating tensions involving Iran.
