# Iranian Sleeper Cell Threat Sparks Nationwide Terror Alert After Khamenei's Death

In the wake of U.S. and Israeli strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other regime figures over the weekend, experts are sounding alarms about a very grave threat from Iranian sleeper cells operating within the United States. Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, told JNS that these cells could strike where America is least defended, potentially hiring local criminal networks like cartels or drug dealers rather than using Iranian nationals directly. JNS reports that past plots, such as the 2011 attempt to assassinate the Saudi ambassador, demonstrate Iran's capability to outsource operations. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Saturday that he has instructed counterterrorism teams to remain on high alert and mobilize all assets to deter attacks at home. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed close coordination with federal partners to monitor and thwart threats. The Department of Homeland Security has warned of an escalated risk of retaliatory actions, including through proxies, lone offenders, and established Hezbollah-linked networks. Recent incidents underscore the urgency. Just weeks ago, 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Senegal, killed two and injured 14 outside a Texas bar, wearing Iranian regime emblems; Vision of Humanity details how his apartment held photos of Iranian leaders. This month also saw a Lebanese-born man ram a Michigan synagogue, two ISIS-inspired men arrested with explosives near New York City, and a terrorism convict open fire at a Virginia university, according to AP reports. During the March 19 House Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and others highlighted ongoing Islamist plots, including three domestic attacks in 2025 and recent FBI disruptions of four attacks in December alone—three ISIS-inspired, targeting California, Texas, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Patel noted expanded online monitoring has been key to these stops. Law enforcement emphasizes vigilance against self-radicalized individuals and foreign-inspired plots, particularly targeting Jewish communities, dissidents, and officials. While no imminent alerts have been issued under the National Terrorism Advisory System, officials urge heightened awareness amid these tensions. Thank you for tuning in, listeners—please subscribe for more updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. For more http://www.quietplease.ai Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.