Homeland Security Warns of Increased Domestic Threats Amid Iran-Israel Conflict

Homeland Security Warns of Increased Domestic Threats Amid Iran-Israel Conflict

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a new National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin warning of elevated threats to the United States in light of the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. The bulletin highlights a concerning rise in cyberattacks, foreign influence operations, and the potential for domestic violent extremism motivated by geopolitical developments.

Cyber Threats on the Rise

The DHS warns that pro-Iranian hacktivists and Iranian government-affiliated cyber actors are actively targeting U.S. networks and internet-connected devices. These operations may include data breaches, service disruptions, or the hijacking of poorly secured systems. The advisory emphasizes that Iran maintains a long-standing willingness to retaliate through cyber means—particularly against entities associated with the U.S. government, which it holds accountable for the 2020 killing of an Iranian military commander.

Risk of Domestic Violence Increasing

A key concern addressed in the bulletin is the potential for homegrown violent extremists (HVEs) to act in response to calls from Iranian leadership or foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs). DHS notes that a religious ruling or fatwa issued by Iranian authorities calling for retaliatory violence could dramatically increase the threat of lone-actor attacks within the homeland.

Several domestic plots tied to Iranian-backed networks have already been thwarted since 2020, according to U.S. law enforcement. Some of these threats targeted critics of the Iranian regime residing in the United States, while others involved more lethal ambitions.

Terrorist Propaganda and Hate Crime Threats

The bulletin highlights recent propaganda from foreign terrorist groups such as HAMAS, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, some of which have openly called for attacks on U.S. interests in retaliation for American support of Israel. DHS warns that these calls for violence, along with widespread media coverage, may embolden supporters to conduct unsanctioned attacks.

Additionally, the current conflict may lead to a rise in hate crimes and targeted violence against Jewish, pro-Israel, or U.S.-government-affiliated individuals or institutions.

What You Can Do

DHS urges the public and private sectors to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Recommended actions include:

• Listening to local authorities and public safety officials

• Implementing cybersecurity best practices as outlined by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

• Participating in threat reporting efforts via the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative

• Utilizing platforms such as FBI Field Offices, Fusion Centers, or the If You See Something, Say Something® initiative to report credible threats

The bulletin will remain in effect through September 22, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Stay Aware. Stay Secure.

The message is clear: while military battles are being fought overseas, cyber and ideological battles may reach U.S. soil in the form of disruptive hacks, disinformation campaigns, and potentially deadly acts of domestic terrorism. Awareness, preparation, and prompt reporting remain the nation’s best tools for prevention.