President Donald Trump said during a press conference at Joint Base Andrews that U.S. officials have identified the locations of suspected Iranian sleeper cell operatives inside the United States and are continuing to monitor them as military operations in the Middle East move forward. Trump made the comments while discussing developments tied to Operation Epic Fury, saying federal agencies are keeping close watch on individuals believed to be connected to possible covert networks.
During the press conference, a reporter asked whether he had been briefed on how many Iranian sleeper cells might currently be operating inside the country. Trump responded that he had received such briefings and claimed many individuals had entered the United States during the previous administration’s border policies. He said authorities know where most of those individuals are located and are closely observing them. Trump also criticized former President Joe Biden, blaming past border policies for allowing potential threats into the country. He added that military operations are being carried out at a level he described as unprecedented.
The president’s remarks came after reports that U.S. intelligence officials intercepted an encrypted message believed to have originated from the Iranian government and allegedly intended as a signal to sleeper cells operating in Western countries. Since the start of Operation Epic Fury, two separate security incidents have drawn public attention in the United States. In Austin, a mass shooting was carried out by a suspect authorities said was wearing clothing with religious wording. In another case in New York City, an 18-year-old suspect was arrested after allegedly throwing an improvised explosive device into a crowd of protesters. Investigators said the suspect had pledged allegiance to Islamic State. Officials have not confirmed whether either incident is connected to the Iranian government. Meanwhile, the Federal Bureau of Investigation warned California law enforcement that Iran could attempt drone-related retaliation against the U.S. West Coast.
