US Intelligence Warns of Potential Iranian Retaliation After Leader’s Death

A Department of Homeland Security intelligence report warns that Iran and its allies may launch targeted attacks against the United States following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The assessment suggests cyber attacks are most likely in the short term, though large-scale physical attacks remain unlikely.

WASHINGTON – Federal intelligence officials are warning that the United States could face retaliatory strikes from Iran and its allied groups following the weekend death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to a government assessment obtained by news outlets.

The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis issued the threat evaluation on February 28, stating that Iranian forces and proxy organizations “probably” present a risk for targeted strikes within American borders, though officials believe a major physical assault remains improbable.

Intelligence analysts indicate their primary immediate worry centers on Iran-supported “hacktivists” launching smaller-scale digital warfare against American computer systems, including website vandalism and coordinated service disruption attacks.

“Although a large-scale physical attack is unlikely, Iran and its proxies probably pose a persistent threat of targeted attacks in the Homeland, and will almost certainly escalate retaliatory actions — or calls to action — if reports of the Ayatollah’s death are confirmed,” the DHS document stated.

The Department of Homeland Security has not yet provided a response to requests for additional information.

Iranian officials on Sunday verified reports confirming Khamenei’s death during Saturday’s military operation, which was first disclosed by Israeli forces and President Donald Trump.

The homeland security evaluation further indicated that Iran would likely maintain its offensive operations against American and coalition forces throughout the Middle East region and would almost certainly hold top U.S. leadership responsible for any domestic unrest triggered by Trump’s statements advocating for governmental overthrow.

The combined U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran that began Saturday expanded Monday as Israeli forces struck Lebanese targets following Hezbollah counterattacks, while Tehran continued launching missiles and unmanned aircraft against Gulf nations housing American military installations.

Meanwhile, law enforcement officials investigating a deadly shooting at an Austin, Texas establishment Sunday that claimed at least two lives say it remains premature to determine whether the perpetrator acted in response to the Iranian conflict.

The deceased shooter, who was fatally wounded by responding officers, was photographed wearing clothing displaying the Iranian flag with “IRAN” written in the nation’s colors of green, white and red, along with a sweatshirt bearing the phrase “Property of Allah,” according to a federal law enforcement source.