Iranian sleeper cells may be hiding 'in plain sight' waiting to target rural US areas, terrorism expert warns
Share this @internewscast.com

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

In response to U.S. military strikes on several Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin, warning of an increased threat from Iranian-backed or domestic terrorism.

“Chances of independent mobilization to violence by extremists within the Homeland could heighten if Iranian leaders were to declare a religious decree urging retaliatory attacks against targets here,” the bulletin noted. “Iran has consistently aimed to target US Government figures they hold responsible for the death of an Iranian military commander in January 2020.”

Jonathan Gilliam, a former FBI special agent who participated in terrorism task forces, informed Fox News Digital that these terror cells could be closer than we think.

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.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Osprey came back from the brink once. Now chicks are dying in nests, and some blame overfishing

Osprey Populations Once Recovered, But Now Nestling Deaths Are Rising—Is Overfishing the Culprit?

In GLOUCESTER POINT, Va. (AP) — Standing on an aging wooden duck…
Trump announces new tariffs on Mexico, EU to begin Aug. 1

Trump Reveals Upcoming Tariffs on Mexico and the EU Starting August 1

Trump announced the tariffs on two of the United States’ biggest trade…
Who is the Gazan challenging Hamas rule, and does he have a chance?

Who is the Gazan opposing Hamas, and what are his chances of success?

Demonstrators in Gaza have begun to turn against Hamas for the first…
Motorcycle crash on Route 45, north of Dada Drive, leaves 1 dead in unincorporated Gurnee, Illinois: Lake County Sheriff's Office

Fatal Motorcycle Accident on Route 45 Near Dada Drive in Unincorporated Gurnee, Illinois: Lake County Sheriff’s Office Reports

UNINCORPORATED GURNEE, Ill. (WLS) — A motorcyclist was killed in a north…
‘Devil in the Ozarks’ investigators uncover how murderer escaped prison before manhunt

Investigators of ‘Devil in the Ozarks’ Reveal How Murderer Escaped Prison Ahead of Manhunt

Arkansas legislators grilled representatives from the state’s Department of Corrections on Thursday…
Gracie Cashman on 'wild ride' of being Yankees GM's daughter, finding herself through YES show

Gracie Cashman Talks About The Thrills of Being the Yankees GM’s Daughter and Her Journey of Self-Discovery on a YES Network Show

YES Network personality Gracie Cashman, daughter of Yankees GM Brian Cashman, takes…
A six-year-old girl and a 45-year-old man.

Groom, 45, Marries 6-Year-Old in Disturbing Wedding That Shocks Even the Taliban, Highlighting the Tragic Reality of Child Brides

A 45-year-old groom allegedly married a six-year-old girl in Afghanistan in a…
Lontray Clark to face murder, arson charges in court for Austin, Chicago fire that killed 4 at North and Laramie avenues

Lontray Clark to be arraigned on murder and arson charges for Austin, Chicago blaze that claimed 4 lives at North and Laramie Avenues

CHICAGO (WLS) — The suspect in a deadly fire in Chicago’s Austin…
Former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White hosts 11th annual 'Off to College Trunk Party' for Chicago high school graduates

Ex-Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White Celebrates 11th ‘Off to College Trunk Party’ for Chicago Graduates

CHICAGO (WLS) — Former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White hosted his…
DOGE sprouts in red states, as governors embrace the cost-cutter brand and make it their own

Red States Adopt DOGE as Cost-Saving Measure, Endorsed by Governors

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — During the tumultuous early days of President Donald…
Portrait of Caroline Dinenage, Britain's culture minister, at the G20 Culture Ministers meeting.

Young people prioritize everyday concerns over trans discussions

YOUNG people are more worried about bread and butter issues than racism…
'You want some? Come get some'

“Craving some? Come and get yours”

During the Turning Point USA’s Student Action Summit on Saturday night, Tom…