Iranian sleeper cells may be hiding 'in plain sight' waiting to target rural US areas, terrorism expert warns
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A counterterrorism expert says that Iranian sleeper cells may be hiding “in plain sight,” waiting to strike rural areas in America.

Following strikes by the U.S. military on several Iranian nuclear sites on June 22, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin, stating there’s a heightened risk for Iranian-backed or domestic terrorism.

“The likelihood of violent extremists in the Homeland independently mobilizing to violence in response to the conflict would likely increase if Iranian leadership issued a religious ruling calling for retaliatory violence against targets in the Homeland,” stated the bulletin. “Iran also has a long-standing commitment to target US Government officials it views as responsible for the death of an Iranian military commander killed in January 2020.”

Jonathan Gilliam former FBI special agent who has worked on terrorism task forces, told Fox News Digital that these terror cells might be in our backyard.

Map of US strikes on Iran

Map of US strikes on Iran. (Fox News)

Following the U.S. attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has tamped up enforcement efforts targeted at Iranian illegal immigrants.

Since June 18, over 130 Iranian nationals have been arrested, multiple federal sources told Fox News, adding that 670 Iranians are in ICE custody.

Gilliam said that these sleeper cells could be targeting America’s rural areas since they’re “not well protected.”

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei image on the wall during a pro-Iran demonstration

Iranian worshippers hold up their hands as signs of unity with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during an anti-Israeli rally to condemn Israel’s attacks on Iran, in downtown Tehran, Iran, on Jun. 20, 2025.  (Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

“There is a possibility that sleeper cells could target more rural states instead of a large city. In fact, considering the evolution of attacks by fundamental Islamic attackers we’ve seen in Israel on October 7th, 2023 and in India this year, it is possible that a similar attack could happen at a rural, outdoor entertainment venue or populated vacation spot,” Gilliam said.

Fox News’ Bill Melugin contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Secret Service agent tried to smuggle his wife onto Trump trip

Secret Service Agent Attempts to Sneak Wife on Trump Trip

A Secret Service agent has prompted an investigation after attempting to sneak…
Jennifer Aniston's 'common ground' with new beau Jim Curtis revealed

Jennifer Aniston’s Connection with New Partner Jim Curtis Uncovered

Jennifer Aniston’s “common ground” with her new beau, Jim Curtis, has been…
Texas city council approves indefinite extension of local disaster declaration

Texas City Council Grants Permanent Extension to Local Disaster Declaration

AUSTIN (KXAN) The Kerrville City Council met in an emergency session Monday…
Millions of Americans under threat of tsunami

Tsunami Alert Puts Millions of Americans at Risk

Millions of Americans are under threat of a devastating tsunami following a massive…
Moscow warns new cease-fire deadline is 'step towards war'

Moscow Claims New Cease-Fire Deadline Could Lead to Conflict

A key supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin mocked President Trump and…
As NBA teams chase youth in the quest for a title, this team is trying the opposite approach

While Most NBA Teams Focus on Youth for Championship Runs, This Team is Betting on Experience Instead

Last summer, Chris Paul was, like many Southern Californians, curious about the…
Maxwell demands immunity after subpoena from House Oversight Committee

Maxwell Seeks Legal Protection Following House Oversight Committee Subpoena

An attorney for Ghislaine Maxwell said she would only speak with the…
Linda Hogan breaks silence after ex-husband Hulk Hogan's shocking death

Linda Hogan Speaks Out Following Ex-Husband Hulk Hogan’s Sudden Passing

Linda Hogan has spoken out following the death of her ex-husband, Hulk…