In a recent development, a former FBI agent has called upon President Trump to deliver a decisive warning to Iran, emphasizing the potential risk posed by Iranian sleeper cells to the upcoming World Cup. The global sporting event, set to commence in June, has prompted Jonathan Gilliam, a former Navy SEAL and FBI special agent, to advocate for a firm stance against any possible threats from Iran.
Gilliam’s message to President Trump is clear: Iran should be cautioned to steer clear of any harmful activities during the World Cup or face severe repercussions. “I would hope that the president makes it known before this occurs, that if Iran does anything during these World Cup events, that it’s going to be not just a retaliatory strike, but that would be the end of any talks,” Gilliam stated, emphasizing the potential for a comprehensive response against the Iranian regime.
The urgency of Gilliam’s warning is illustrated against the backdrop of international sports events. During the 2024 Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal match between Jamaica and the United States, fans proudly displayed the American flag, a symbol of national pride and unity, at Citypark in St. Louis, Mo. This image, captured by Joe Puetz for ISI Photos/Getty Images, underscores the significance of ensuring safety at such gatherings.
Moreover, Gilliam proposed a dramatic method for President Trump to convey the seriousness of his warning to Iran. He suggested a demonstration of military might, recommending the deployment of a Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) bomb in an uninhabited area of Iran, to underscore the potential consequences of any aggression. “A MOAB, that’s the largest non-nuclear conventional bomb in the world in history,” Gilliam explained. “And you can drop that somewhere and make a dramatic impact if the president was to show force like Iran does.”
As the World Cup approaches, the call for vigilance and firm action reflects ongoing concerns about global security during major international events. Gilliam’s remarks highlight the delicate balance of diplomacy and deterrence in maintaining a peaceful sporting atmosphere.
“I think if the president did that, and he showed that he was very serious, gave some sign, dropped a MOAB in the middle of nowhere in Iran and said, ‘this is what’s going to occur if you if you touch anyone in the United States.’ … This is what’s coming to you,” Gilliam said. “A MOAB, that’s the largest non-nuclear conventional bomb in the world in history. And you can drop that somewhere and make a dramatic impact if the president was to show force like Iran does.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across North America, with matches scheduled in cities throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. (Olivianna Calmes/Unknown)
“They play diplomat, but they understand force, and so I would recommend that the president examine possibilities like that and that he makes it known that ‘you do anything here, then that’s it,’” he added.
Gilliam said that there are already sleeper cells in the U.S. The question is whether they will be activated to carry out an attack during the World Cup.
“The probability may vary, so the numbers game, is it 100% guaranteed, is it 50% guaranteed? That’s always a game that you really don’t want to play,” he said. “All of these things are going to play into the fact that sleeper cells have always been, for any of these events in the United States and around the world, have always been a possibility.“
His warning comes at a time when negotiations between the U.S. and Iran appear to be breaking down, with Trump responding “TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!” to Iran’s recent response to a U.S. ceasefire proposal.
The president addressed the Iranian sleeper cell threat in early March, pushing blame onto former President Biden for letting them into the country.
Transit officials are preparing for an unprecedented number of riders during World Cup matches this summer. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
“I have been (briefed), and a lot of people came in through Biden with his stupid open border,” Trump told Fox News’ Peter Doocy. “But we know where most of them are. We’ve got our eye on all of them.”
$625 million is being distributed to secure the World Cup after being passed by Congress and signed by Trump, which is being directed to law enforcement agencies to cover overtime costs.
In total, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has spent nearly $900 million toward securing the World Cup, according to a news release from the agency.
The World Cup starts on June 11 and runs through July 19 and the United States will host 78 World Cup matches, while Mexico and Canada will host the rest.
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment.
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