On Wednesday, AlertsUSA subscribers got their first hint things were about to get noisy in the Middle East when the State Department authorized the departure of non-essential personnel from US embassies in Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Early Thursday afternoon, subscribers were informed that U.S. embassies throughout the Middle East and North Africa had issued a common security alert urging American citizens to exercise increased caution and to prepare a plan for emergency situations.
Later Thursday evening, AlertsUSA subscribers were some of the first in the nation to learn that Israel had launched a massive preemptive strike on Iran. Known as "Operation Rising Lion,” the airstrike targeted Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure as well as key leadership.
The Opening Act: Drones
The operation began with explosive-laden drones secretly pre-positioned inside Iran months earlier, striking air-defense and communication nodes, while also serving as decoys. This was followed by more than 200 Israeli fighter jets, many of them American-made F-35s carrying standoff munitions, conducting strikes on over 100 key targets across the country.
The operation severely damaged the above-ground pilot enrichment plant at the Natanz nuclear site, the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center, as well as ballistic missile bases and air defense systems. And this was just the first wave of Israeli strikes.
Once again Thursday evening, U.S. embassies in the Middle East and North Africa issued updated alerts urging Americans across the region to maintain a low profile and to use caution at locations publicly associated with the United States.
Retaliation
On June 13, Iran launched "Operation Severe Punishment," firing dozens of ballistic missiles and over 100 drones at Israel. The Iron Dome and U.S.-assisted defenses intercepted most, but the IDF reported 10 Iranian missiles hit Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, injuring dozens.
As of Friday evening, June 13, 2025, both sides continue strikes, with Israeli officials suggesting the campaign may last weeks. U.S. interests in the Middle East remain on high alert, monitoring reactions from Iran and its regional supporters.
Iran Threatens the U.S.
Iran issued threats against the United States following the Israeli strikes on June 13, 2025. Iranian officials, including the Foreign Ministry, stated that the U.S. bears "full responsibility" for the consequences of Israel's actions, alleging that the strikes could not have occurred without U.S. coordination and approval. Iran's U.N. ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, accused the U.S. of complicity in the attacks during a U.N. Security Council meeting, claiming 78 people were killed and over 320 injured, mostly civilians.
Prior to the strikes, Iran's Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned of retaliation against U.S. bases and interests in the region. However, no direct Iranian military action against the U.S. has been reported as of the the time
Homeland Impact
This conflict poses serious risks to the U.S. homeland. Documented cases confirm operatives and sleeper cells, mainly tied to Hezbollah and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, are present in the U.S. Iran likely uses these groups for asymmetric power projection to avoid direct military conflict with the U.S.
Examples Include:
2011 Plot: Iran’s Quds Force, through operative Manssor Arbabsiar, attempted to hire Mexican cartel members to assassinate the Saudi ambassador in Washington, D.C., using explosives at a restaurant. The plot was thwarted, but it underscored Iran’s willingness to operate on U.S. soil.
Ali Kourani (2017): A Hezbollah operative arrested in New York, Kourani admitted to being part of a sleeper cell tasked with surveilling targets like airports, government buildings, and landmarks (e.g., the Statue of Liberty, Times Square). He told the FBI that his cell would activate in scenarios like a U.S.-Iran war or U.S. actions against Hezbollah or Iranian interests. Kourani was sentenced to 40 years for providing material support to a terrorist organization.
Samir El Debek (2017): Arrested alongside Kourani, El Debek scouted targets in New York, including JFK and LaGuardia airports, and underwent explosives training in Lebanon.
Alex Saab (2019): A Hezbollah-linked operative in New Jersey, Saab conducted surveillance on infrastructure like bridges and tunnels. His arrest revealed detailed reconnaissance reports, raising concerns about attack planning.
Trump Plots (2020-2025): Iran's desire for revenge in the killing of Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force within Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has manifested in several reported plots targeting President Trump and other U.S. officials (see this and this).
Additional Threat Reminders
On June 5, 2025, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security issued a public service announcement warning of heightened threats to the U.S. Jewish community after antisemitic attacks in Boulder, Colorado, and Washington, D.C. The escalating Israel-Iran hostilities further amplify this danger.
Additionally, last week's al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula video accused Israel and the U.S. of crimes against humanity in Gaza, calling on Muslims worldwide to carry out violent attacks against Jewish individuals and institutions in the U.S. and Europe.
These are dangerous times. Caution and vigilance are strongly urged when in public. Avoid rallies and demonstrations whenever possible.
AlertsUSA continues to monitor the national and international threat environment and will immediately notify service subscribers of any new alerts, warnings, or advisories that impact the overall threat picture for American citizens as events warrant. |
