US braces for Iran-linked attacks on American soil after Ayatollah killing

The United States is bracing for potential retaliation from Iran and its proxies on US homeland following the killing of Ali Khamenei in strikes announced by Israel and U.S. President Donald Trump.

A February 28 threat assessment by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis warns that Iran and affiliated groups “probably” pose a risk of targeted attacks inside the United States, though a large-scale physical assault is considered unlikely, Reuters reported.

The report indicates that the most immediate concern is cyber activity by Iran-aligned hacktivists, including low-level operations such as website defacements and distributed denial-of-service attacks targeting American networks.

“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 assessment states.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said she is coordinating closely with federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies to monitor and counter any emerging threats.

Iran confirmed Khamenei’s death on Sunday following the strike reported a day earlier.

The DHS analysis also assesses that Tehran is likely to continue attacks against U.S. and allied interests in the Middle East and could blame senior U.S. officials for unrest triggered by President Trump’s recent comments advocating regime change in Iran.

The expanding conflict has intensified across the region. Israeli forces struck targets in Lebanon after attacks by Hezbollah, while Iran continued missile and drone strikes against Gulf states hosting U.S. military bases.

Meanwhile, authorities in Austin are investigating a bar shooting that left at least two people dead. Officials said it is too early to determine whether the suspect was motivated by developments in Iran.

The gunman, who was killed by police, was reportedly wearing clothing featuring Iranian symbols at the time of the attack, according to a U.S. law enforcement official.