In the wake of a massive U.S. airstrike targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a nationwide terrorism alert, warning of possible retaliatory attacks within the United States. The bulletin highlights an elevated risk of violence, including terror plots, cyberattacks, and antisemitic incidents, over the next several months.
The alert, issued Sunday, comes less than 24 hours after U.S. stealth bombers executed what has been described as the largest B-2 mission in military history dropping bunker-buster bombs on three Iranian nuclear sites. The strike, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, has triggered outrage in Tehran and raised global tensions, prompting immediate security responses across U.S. cities.
DHS emphasized that the threat primarily stems from extremist groups and individuals who may be inspired or mobilized by Iranian rhetoric in the aftermath of the attack. Officials expressed particular concern that calls for retaliation from Iranian leadership could spur lone actors to carry out attacks on U.S. soil.
“The likelihood of violent extremists in the homeland independently mobilizing to violence in response to the conflict would likely increase if Iranian leadership issued a religious ruling calling for retaliatory violence,” the advisory stated.
The bulletin also noted a growing risk of cyber intrusions targeting U.S. infrastructure and institutions. Intelligence officials are monitoring activity that may indicate attempts to exploit vulnerabilities in government, financial, and energy systems sectors often targeted in state-linked cyber campaigns. In addition, the advisory warned that antisemitic threats and harassment may rise as tensions escalate.
The response from domestic law enforcement has been swift. The New York Police Department heightened its threat posture Saturday night, while New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered increased security at major transportation hubs, including the MTA and Port Authority. Additional measures are expected in other high-risk metropolitan areas in the coming days.
The advisory reflects a broad consensus among U.S. security agencies that the fallout from the Iran strike could extend well beyond the Middle East. While the DHS did not report any specific or credible imminent threats, officials are urging the public and local agencies to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
International reaction to the U.S. operation has been fierce. Russia and China condemned the strikes, with Moscow warning that several nations are now prepared to supply nuclear materials to Tehran in response an alarming development that signals the potential for further escalation. Meanwhile, rallies erupted in Iran’s capital, where protestors chanted anti-American slogans following news of the airstrikes.
