U.S. intelligence agencies have revealed that they have obtained information indicating that Iran and affiliated groups could potentially launch retaliatory attacks against the United States following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to intelligence assessments and security analyses, there is a risk that Iran and its partners may attempt to carry out attacks on U.S. soil, although officials do not currently assess the threat level to be severe.
The report suggests that any initial actions could likely involve cyber operations aimed at obscuring or denying preparations for broader retaliatory measures.
A security assessment report states: “While large-scale, coordinated physical attacks are not currently expected, Iran and its affiliated networks remain a significant concern regarding potential operations on U.S. territory. Retaliatory activities could expand should the circumstances surrounding the Ayatollah’s death be formally confirmed.”
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, said authorities are working closely with intelligence and law enforcement agencies to prevent any possible attacks within the United States.
The death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was officially confirmed on March 1, 2025, although Israel and the United States had acknowledged it a day earlier, on February 28.
On March 2, 2026, investigations into a shooting incident at a bar in Austin, Texas, indicated that it was too early to conclude that the suspect was motivated by U.S. military actions against Iran.
Images of the suspect, who was shot dead by police, showed him wearing a shirt bearing the Iranian flag and the word “Iran” written in green, white, and red. He was also reportedly wearing a winter cap marked with religious references.
Authorities have not yet established a direct link between the incident and any broader retaliatory plot.
