The State Department issued a rare “Worldwide Caution” alert on June 22, 2025, warning Americans abroad to exercise increased vigilance. The advisory, part of a Department of Homeland Security bulletin, highlights elevated terror risks tied to Iran’s capability to activate sleeper cells across the U.S. in retaliation for the recent strikes on its nuclear facilities.
U.S. officials report that Iran warned President Trump—through an intermediary at the G7 summit—that sleeper-cell terror networks could be triggered if its nuclear sites were attacked. This threat, conveyed just days before U.S.-led airstrikes, prompted heightened security worldwide.
Domestically, the Department of Homeland Security noted that extremist individuals—motivated by anti-Israel or anti-U.S. sentiment—might exploit the situation to target government facilities, Jewish centers, or other American interests. Though no credible threats are identified, federal agencies have increased monitoring of Iran-aligned operatives and Hezbollah-linked networks within the U.S.
The State Department’s warning also emphasizes potential protests and demonstrations against Americans overseas. Simultaneously, U.S. embassies have begun evacuating staff and reinforcing protocols, especially across the Middle East and allied countries.
