Iran Warns of Retaliatory Strikes on U.S. Soil Amid Escalation

URGENT UPDATE: Federal authorities have issued a stark warning that Iran may retaliate against the United States using sleeper cells, lone wolf attackers, and cyberattacks. This alert follows intensified military actions by U.S. and Israeli forces targeting Iran’s nuclear capabilities, escalating fears of domestic attacks.

In a chilling development, just days after the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, 2024, a cryptic broadcast utilizing a shortwave radio frequency aired globally. The eerie message began with the Persian word for “attention”—“Tavajjoh!”—followed by a sequence of numbers reminiscent of Cold War espionage communication methods. Authorities now believe this may serve as an operational trigger for sleeper agents potentially embedded within the U.S.

While investigations have not yet uncovered any specific, credible threats, a memo distributed to local law enforcement agencies emphasizes the necessity for heightened vigilance. The memo discusses preliminary analysis indicating that the broadcast likely originates from Iran and is intended for clandestine recipients with access to an encryption key.

Former LAPD counterterrorism chief Horace Frank stated, “Sleeper cells have always been a concern… but given the current situation, their proxies may feel desperate.” The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have been on high alert since the escalation began, emphasizing that Iran often relies on individuals already in the U.S. for surveillance and potential attacks.

There is a history of Iran attempting to carry out assassination plots against U.S. officials. Following the 2020 airstrike on Iranian General Qassem Suleimani, Iran allegedly sought to kill former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former National Security Advisor John Bolton. A fugitive named Shahram Poursafi was charged with hiring assassins for this purpose, offering a $300,000 bounty.

In a shocking case from 2024, Asif Raza Merchant was convicted of a murder-for-hire plot targeting former President Trump. Merchant, who received training from the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was intended to recruit hitmen but instead encountered federal agents posing as assassins.

The threat extends beyond individual actions; Iranian proxies, including militants aligned with Hezbollah and the Houthi movement, could exploit the current tensions. A recent report indicates that Hezbollah has established networks in Latin America, posing a potential risk to U.S. security.

On February 28, the day military action commenced, Internet access in Iran plummeted, hindering communication among potential operatives. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine confirmed that U.S. Cyber Command effectively disrupted Iran’s communication capabilities, leaving them significantly impaired.

The connection to domestic terrorism is evident. In a recent incident, Ndiaga Diagne killed three people and injured 13 in Austin, Texas, shortly after the Iranian leadership was targeted. Investigators are probing possible links to terrorism.

In light of these developments, local law enforcement agencies across the U.S. are urged to remain vigilant. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has implemented measures to counter a variety of threats, from armed assaults to sophisticated attacks involving explosives. Chief Jim McDonnell has remarked on the heightened level of awareness, particularly concerning lone wolf attackers who may feel empowered by extremist rhetoric.

As the situation unfolds, authorities stress the importance of public vigilance. The Iranian diaspora in the U.S. includes over 700,000 individuals in Southern California alone, increasing the need for community awareness. Past events, including the 2015 San Bernardino attack, underscore the potential for radicalization among American citizens.

As tensions between Iran and the U.S. continue to escalate, the threat of retaliatory attacks remains a critical concern. Officials are urging immediate public awareness and cooperation to safeguard against potential threats. Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.