‘Don’t Be Afraid But Stay Alert’: US Warns Of Terror & Cyber Threats After Iran Strikes

Last Updated:June 23, 2025, 14:58 IST

American citizens are being warned of the possibility of revenge attacks, especially by lone actors or groups inspired by or linked to Tehran

In a rare nationwide coordination call, the FBI and DHS briefed governors across all 50 states to prepare for an unpredictable security landscape. (AFP)

The national security agencies of the United States have issued a stark warning to the public following recent American military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Citing an increasingly “heightened threat environment", officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are urging vigilance amid concerns over potential terrorist acts, cyberattacks, and retaliatory violence on American soil.

The advisory follows the United States (US) airstrikes that targeted several Iranian nuclear sites, including Natanz and Fordow. While Iranian officials have downplayed the extent of the damage, US defence sources have described the strikes as “highly effective", escalating fears of an Iranian response.

American citizens are being warned of the possibility of revenge attacks, especially by lone actors or groups inspired by or linked to Tehran. A DHS bulletin emphasised the threat of “individuals radicalised by Iranian propaganda", and noted that religious edicts issued by Iran’s leadership could inspire violence in the West.

The warning extends beyond physical attacks. NDTV reported that US intelligence is closely monitoring Iranian cyber capabilities, which have been previously used against American infrastructure. DHS officials have flagged potential threats to utilities, public transportation systems, and government networks. These warnings are not based on specific, actionable threats but rather on “patterns of behaviour observed in past escalations", said one official.

In a rare nationwide coordination call, the FBI and DHS briefed governors across all 50 states to prepare for an unpredictable security landscape, ABC News reported. The agencies urged state leaders to enhance monitoring of soft targets such as religious sites, government buildings, and major public events.

A recent CBS News report noted that this warning is part of a broader terrorism advisory bulletin, which describes a “persistent" threat environment aggravated by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The bulletin is set to remain in effect through the summer, covering national holidays and public gatherings.

Speaking to The Hill, a DHS spokesperson reiterated that while no specific plot has been uncovered, the combination of military conflict, ideological fervour, and digital warfare potential presents a unique risk matrix. “Americans should not be afraid, but they should be alert," the spokesperson said. “The best defence is public awareness and cooperation with law enforcement."

Security has already been visibly ramped up in cities such as New York, Washington DC, and Los Angeles, where officials have increased patrols and surveillance at major transit hubs and religious institutions.

As the situation between the US and Iran continues to evolve, federal agencies are expected to issue further guidance in the days ahead. Until then, the message from national security leaders is clear: the threat is real, and preparedness is key.

Apoorva Misra

Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. M...Read More

Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. M...

Read More

Location :

United States of America (USA)

First Published:

News world ‘Don’t Be Afraid But Stay Alert’: US Warns Of Terror & Cyber Threats After Iran Strikes