American Intelligence Warns Iran May Strike US Following Khamenei’s Death

Iran and allied proxy groups could seek to target American interests in retaliation for the February 28 killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to a US intelligence assessment reviewed by Reuters.

The assessment, prepared by the Office of Intelligence and Analysis under the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), cautions that while a large-scale physical attack on US soil is considered unlikely, Tehran and its proxies pose a continuing risk of targeted operations.

“A large-scale physical attack is unlikely, [but] Iran and its proxies probably pose a persistent threat of targeted attacks in the Homeland,” the report stated.

Cyber and Targeted Threats

Beyond the prospect of physical violence, the DHS assessment highlighted the risk of cyber operations carried out by Iran-aligned “hacktivist” groups. These could include website defacements, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks and other short-term disruptions targeting US networks.

The report also warned that Tehran is likely to continue attacks against US and allied interests across the Middle East, particularly as hostilities escalate.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told Reuters that authorities are on alert. “I am in direct coordination with our federal intelligence and law enforcement partners as we continue to closely monitor and thwart any potential threats to the homeland,” she said.

Political Fallout

The assessment further noted that Iran could hold senior US officials responsible if unrest or protests erupt in response to calls for regime change by US President Donald Trump.

Trump, posting on Truth Social, claimed that Iran’s “air defense, Air Force, Navy, and Leadership is gone,” adding, “They want to talk. I said ‘Too Late!’” His remarks came amid intensifying US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and linked to an opinion piece defending the decision to authorise military action.

While intelligence officials currently assess the risk of a mass-casualty attack inside the United States as low, the DHS report underscores that the threat environment remains fluid, with Iran and affiliated groups maintaining the capability to adapt their response as the conflict evolves.