‘Closely monitoring’: NYPD steps up security across New York City after US, Israel launch attack on Iran

The New York Police Department said it is enhancing security at sensitive locations across the city following the US and Israeli attack on Iran and escalating tensions in the Middle East.In a statement posted on X, the department said it is “closely monitoring events in Iran and the Middle East” and coordinating with federal and international partners.“As is our protocol and out of an abundance of caution, we will be enhancing patrols to sensitive locations throughout the city, including diplomatic, cultural, religious, and other relevant sites,” the department said.

Officials stressed that there are currently no specific or credible threats to New York City.

However, authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity by calling 1-888-NYC-SAFE or 911.

Heightened security across sensitive sites

The increased patrols will cover diplomatic missions, cultural centres and religious institutions across the five boroughs. The NYPD routinely adjusts its security posture during major international developments or geopolitical crises, particularly when global tensions could have local implications.

Authorities reiterated that the move is precautionary and part of standard protocol during volatile international situations.

US, Israel attack Iran: Escalation and retaliation

The alert in New York comes after the United States and Israel launched major strikes on Iran on Saturday. US President Donald Trump described the action as “major combat operations” carried out in coordination with Israel, saying the targets included military and government sites.Some of the initial strikes appeared to hit areas around the offices of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, according to Iranian media, which reported attacks in multiple parts of the country.

Smoke was seen rising from the capital, though it was not immediately clear whether the 86-year-old leader was present at the time.In response, Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard announced it had launched a “first wave” of drones and missiles targeting Israel. The Israeli military said it was working to intercept incoming projectiles.The state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported that the death toll in an Israeli-US strike on a girls’ school in Minab, in Iran’s Hormozgan province, had risen to at least 40, with 45 others wounded.

The city hosts a base of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.US embassies and consulates in several countries have advised staff to shelter in place as the situation continues to evolve, amid fears of further retaliation and broader regional escalation.In a recent interview with The Washington Post, US Vice President JD Vance said there is “no chance” that any American military strike on Iran would drag the country into a prolonged conflict.Vance said President Trump faced a choice between military action “to ensure Iran isn’t going to get a nuclear weapon” or pursuing diplomacy. “The idea that we’re going to be in a Middle Eastern war for years with no end in sight — there is no chance that will happen,” he said.The latest developments have increased global tensions, with cities like New York taking precautionary measures as the situation in the Middle East remains tense.