The US Department of Homeland Security has issued a warning about the ongoing Iran conflict, citing a heightened threat environment in the United States. The warning comes hours after the US struck three key nuclear facilities in Iran on Saturday night.
Iran is considering its response to the US airstrikes, which may include retaliatory strikes or diplomatic engagement. The US and Iran have a strained relationship, with tensions high since President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani.
The warning notes that low-level cyber attacks against US networks by pro-Iranian hacktivists are likely, and that Iranian hackers may conduct attacks against US networks. The National Security Agency has long warned of cyberattacks.
The department also warns that there is a potential for violent extremists in the Homeland to mobilize violence in response to the conflict. DHS has issued information on resources to stay safe and outlined who to call and how to report concerns.
This warning comes after “US law enforcement has disrupted multiple potentially lethal Iranian-backed plots in the United States since 2020.” The FBI and Justice Department have worked together to bring forward charges against Iranian nationals seeking to carry out alleged murder and assassination plots on US soil.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/dhs-issues-heightened-terror-threat-americans-2089053