As tensions escalate between the U.S. and Iran, fears of a potential homeland threat have intensified amid recent attacks on U.S. allies in the Middle East. Iranian operatives have launched more than 1,600 drones at Israel, Jordan, Persian Gulf nations, and Cyprus according to the Institute for National Security Studies in Israel.
Two former counterterrorism officials, Sam Vinograd and Joe Zacks, joined CBS Mornings to discuss these escalating threats. Vinograd emphasized Iran’s multifaceted approach, noting it extends beyond physical spaces to cyber domains and information dissemination. She cited proxies like regional terrorist organizations alongside state actors, including those funded by the powerful Revolutionary Guard.
Iran has also been known for orchestrating assassinations through regular criminals here in the U.S., who are paid to engage in illegal activities such as murder or assassination on behalf of the regime. One recent case involves a man currently facing trial in New York charged with plotting an assassination attempt against U.S. politicians, potentially including President Trump or former president Biden.
For Vinograd, these threats underscore the importance of vigilance for Americans. “We need to be aware,” she said. “The threat is real and it’s coming from all sorts of fronts—proxies as well as individuals who have been hired by Iran.”
Zacks echoed this sentiment, stressing that while U.S. law enforcement has been proactively tracking such threats over decades, ongoing vigilance remains crucial.
“From a cyber perspective,” Zacks explained, “the U.S. is taking decisive steps to protect against potential Iranian attacks within our borders.” He highlighted the extensive defensive measures developed since 9/11, but insisted vigilance cannot be underestimated.
Vinograd went on to lay out specific actions for American citizens to take in response to these threats. In cyberspace, Americans must remain vigilant and cautious about clicking links or downloading suspicious files from unknown sources; they should also consider the credibility of emails before opening them, particularly if they come from unfamiliar senders. On social media, users should scrutinize their feeds more closely for potential information manipulation.
“Every day, we need to go about our lives as usual,” Vinograd suggested. “However, now is not just a time for government agencies but also individuals in this country to be extra vigilant.” She advised Americans to report any suspicious activities or behavior directly to law enforcement.
In the face of these escalating threats, Zacks emphasized that Americans should remain cognizant of potential Iranian actions and proactively engage in protecting their homeland.