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. (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.”

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.