DHS Warns Iran May Target US Officials Amid Rising Tensions

A Department of Homeland Security bulletin obtained by CNN indicates Iran could potentially target US government officials under certain circumstances. The intelligence assessment suggests such actions might occur if Iranian leadership perceives threats to regime stability, believes officials were involved in senior Iranian leaders' deaths, or anticipates continued US airstrikes. The bulletin, dated June 22, represents one of the clearest assessments from US intelligence regarding possible consequences following President Trump's decision to strike Iranian nuclear facilities.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem addressed the situation, stating the department's duty to keep the nation informed during conflicts. The bulletin notes that while direct threats of retaliation for recent US airstrikes have not been observed, previous Justice Department allegations claimed Iran had attempted to target former President Trump and former National Security Adviser John Bolton following the 2020 strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. The assessment acknowledges recent law enforcement actions may temporarily hinder Iran's ability to execute plots against US officials.

The intelligence bulletin adds context to DHS's public warning issued Sunday about a heightened threat environment in the United States. This public notice mentioned possibilities including low-level cyberattacks and potential lone-wolf incidents. Law enforcement officials reportedly reexamined known or suspected Hezbollah associates in the US days before the strikes on Iran, though sources indicated no credible threats had been identified at that time.

Cybersecurity experts familiar with Iran's operations note that Iranian security services frequently employ hacking to gather intelligence on potential assassination or surveillance targets. The DHS bulletin specifically expressed concern about Iran-aligned hacktivists conducting low-level cyberattacks against US networks, including distributed denial-of-service attacks. The assessment also raised concerns about possible cyber or physical attacks targeting critical infrastructure within the United States.

President Trump addressed Iran in a social media post on Sunday evening, questioning whether there might be regime change if the current Iranian leadership cannot "make Iran great again." White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later characterized this statement as the President "simply raising a question." The situation follows Iran's missile launch toward a US military base in Qatar, which Iranian officials described as retaliation for US strikes on their country.