DHS assessment says Iran and proxies pose a persistent US threat after the Khamenei killing, with cyberattacks likely.
A US intelligence assessment warns that Iran and its proxy groups could launch retaliatory attacks against the United States following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in joint Israeli and US strikes.
The February 28 threat assessment, produced by the Office of Intelligence and Analysis at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and reviewed by Reuters, states that Iran and its affiliates “probably” pose a threat of targeted attacks inside the United States, although officials consider a large-scale physical assault unlikely.
Iran on Sunday confirmed reports of Khamenei’s death in a strike carried out on Saturday, initially announced by Israel and US President Donald Trump.
According to the DHS report, Iran and its proxies “probably pose a persistent threat of targeted attacks in the Homeland,” particularly if confirmation of the Ayatollah’s death fuels calls for retaliation.
“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 says.
The report highlights concerns that Tehran-aligned actors may intensify both direct and indirect operations against US interests.
