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 closely monitoring them as military operations continue in the Middle East.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said authorities are tracking individuals believed to be connected to possible covert networks. When asked whether he had been briefed on how many Iranian sleeper cells might be inside the country, he replied that federal agencies are aware of many of them and are keeping them under surveillance. Trump also criticized former President Joe Biden, arguing that weak border policies allowed dangerous individuals to enter the country. He said many suspects came through what he described as an open border and added that officials are watching them closely.
The president linked the remarks to ongoing military action connected to Operation Epic Fury, saying the conflict is being handled at an unusually high level of intensity. His comments followed reports that U.S. intelligence officials intercepted an encrypted message believed to have originated from Iran and intended for possible sleeper cells operating in Western countries. At the same time, two separate security incidents in the United States have raised concern. In Austin, a mass shooting suspect was reported to have worn clothing containing religious wording. In New York City, authorities arrested an 18-year-old man accused of throwing an improvised explosive device into a crowd after allegedly pledging allegiance to ISIS. Officials have not confirmed whether either incident is connected to Iran. Meanwhile, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has warned California law enforcement about possible retaliatory drone threats.
