Heightened Security in US Cities: Understanding Iran’s History of Murder-for-Hire Plots and What It Means for You

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Department of Homeland Security has raised alarms about a “heightened threat environment” after recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The FBI is actively working to prevent any violent retaliation, and local law enforcement in cities like New York is on high alert.

So far, no credible threats to the U.S. have emerged since the strikes. However, uncertainty looms. A ceasefire between Israel and Iran was announced, but it remains to be seen how effective or lasting it will be.

Iran’s history of targeting individuals on U.S. soil adds to concerns. In recent years, Iranian-backed hackers have carried out cyberattacks on American targets. According to U.S. intelligence, Iran has often opted for murder-for-hire schemes instead of mass violence. These plots frequently involve recruiting non-Iranians, including members of organized crime.

“Iran doesn’t operate a direct chain of command for these attacks,” noted Ilan Berman, a senior vice president at the American Foreign Policy Council. “There are layers of intermediaries involved, which complicates matters.”

Experts like Jon Alterman from the Center for Strategic and International Studies suggest that while Iran may not be capable of executing large-scale attacks, it might still want to project strength to its citizens. “Demonstrating that they won’t back down is part of the game,” he said.

The FBI and DHS recently briefed local law enforcement on potential threats. Michael Masters, director of the Secure Community Network, emphasized the urgency, noting, “There’s a surge of online activity we’re closely monitoring.”

### Noteworthy Plots Against U.S. Figures

Several notable plots underscore the persistent threat from Iran:

• Against Former President Donald Trump: The Justice Department reported a disrupted plan to kill Trump ahead of the 2024 election. An alleged Iranian asset claimed he was directed to surveil and eliminate Trump, showcasing the regime’s long-held anger over past actions.
• Against John Bolton: After his role as Trump’s national security adviser, Bolton became the target of a $300,000 assassination plot. The operative behind the scheme unknowingly enlisted an FBI informant.
• Against Masih Alinejad: Alinejad, an Iranian American journalist, was targeted for her activism. Two alleged crime bosses were convicted for plotting her assassination, reflecting Iran’s efforts to silence dissent.
• Against a Saudi Ambassador: In 2011, Iranian agents attempted to murder the Saudi ambassador in the U.S. using a bomb, showcasing the longstanding nature of Iranian threats.

In a recent survey from the Pew Research Center, nearly 60% of Americans expressed concern about foreign threats to national security, highlighting the widespread anxiety surrounding such plots. While experts agree that the complexity of Iran’s operations makes them hard to predict, the potential for violence remains real.

As tensions persist, understanding both the methods and motivations of these actors becomes essential for ensuring safety. To stay informed, consider checking trusted sources like the Department of Homeland Security for updates on security alerts.

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