The US Department of Homeland Security has issued a warning about a heightened threat environment in the country, citing potential cyber attacks from pro-Iranian hacktivists and increased risk of domestic extremism.
This advisory comes after recent US military strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, which has escalated tensions between the two countries.
The United States had launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, with President Donald Trump claiming the operation “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The strikes, code-named “Operation Midnight Hammer,” involved over 125 aircraft, including B-2 bombers and Tomahawk missiles, targeting key facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
According to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the operation was a success, although a full assessment is ongoing. The strikes have sparked international concern, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemning the action as a “reckless violation of the UN Charter and international law.”
Araghchi also voiced skepticism about potential diplomacy, and the world awaits an official response from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Trump warned that the US could launch more attacks if Iran doesn’t make peace, stating, “You’re looking at a significant escalatory spiral that could get out of hand quickly.”
Vice President JD Vance emphasized that the US is “not at war with Iran,” but rather focused on Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. The strikes have thrust the US into the Israel-Iran conflict, which has seen both sides trade attacks for over a week.
The international community has reacted with alarm, worrying about Iranian retaliation and further escalation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on China to pressure Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, warning that closure would be “economic suicide” for Iran and trigger a massive escalation.
Rubio stated, “The first people that should be angry about it are the Chinese government, because… a lot of their oil comes through there.” Closure of the strait would significantly impact global energy markets, potentially spiking oil prices to $120 per barrel.
The US Department of Homeland Security has issued a bulletin warning of a heightened threat environment in the US, citing potential low-level cyberattacks and lone-wolf attacks following the US strikes against Iran. The bulletin notes that pro-Iranian hacktivists are likely to attack US networks, and others affiliated with the Iranian government could issue similar attacks.