President Donald Trump said during a press briefing at Joint Base Andrews that U.S. authorities have identified the locations of suspected Iranian sleeper cell operatives and are actively monitoring them as military operations continue in the Middle East. Speaking about developments tied to Operation Epic Fury, Trump said federal agencies are tracking individuals believed to be connected to possible covert networks inside the United States.
The issue came up when a reporter asked whether he had received intelligence briefings about the number of possible Iranian sleeper cells currently in the country. Trump replied that he had been briefed and claimed many individuals entered the United States during the previous administration’s border policies. He criticized former President Joe Biden, arguing that weak border enforcement created security vulnerabilities, while also insisting that federal authorities are closely watching those considered potential threats. “We know where most of them are,” Trump said, adding that officials are maintaining surveillance and continuing security efforts while military operations abroad move forward.
His comments follow reports that U.S. intelligence intercepted an encrypted communication believed to have originated from Iran. According to officials, the message may have been intended to activate sleeper cell networks or signal affiliated actors operating in Western countries, though no official confirmation has established direct operational links. Since Operation Epic Fury began, two separate security incidents have raised additional concern. In Austin, Texas, authorities investigated a mass shooting involving a suspect reportedly wearing clothing with religious wording. In New York City, an 18-year-old suspect was arrested after investigators said he threw an improvised explosive device into a crowd of protesters and had allegedly expressed support for ISIS. Federal officials have not confirmed whether either case is connected to Iran or coordinated through foreign networks. Investigations remain ongoing. Meanwhile, the FBI has issued warnings to California law enforcement agencies that Iran could attempt retaliatory actions against the U.S. West Coast, including the possible use of attack drones, as tensions continue to rise following recent American military operations in Iran.
