Counterterrorism Expert Warns of Iranian Sleeper Cells Lurking in Rural America

A U.S. counterterrorism expert is raising alarms about a growing security risk: Iranian sleeper cells quietly embedded in rural communities across the country. 

These covert operatives, believed to have been in place for years or decades, could pose a significant threat as tensions with Iran escalate.

Jonathan Gilliam, a former FBI special agent with extensive experience on joint counterterrorism task forces, warned that these operatives could be living “in plain sight” throughout America’s less-populated regions. 

Recent geopolitical tensions, including targeted U.S. strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, may have triggered activation orders for these sleeper networks, heightening the potential for violence.

“The most unsettling part is that these individuals might already be here, blending into everyday life,” Gilliam told Fox News during a recent interview. 

“Everyone should remain vigilant because operatives could be living alongside us, ready to act if ordered.”

Concerns about U.S. border security policies have grown, with critics asserting that the Biden administration’s approach has allowed an increased number of Iranian nationals into the country without adequate vetting. 

Data from the U.S. Border Patrol shows that between 2021 and 2024, 1,504 Iranian nationals were apprehended at the border, with nearly half—729 individuals—released pending asylum hearings.

Gilliam explained, “Many of these individuals claim asylum at the border, but instead of being detained for thorough processing, they are often released. This creates significant gaps in oversight that could be exploited by hostile actors.”

The threat environment worsened following U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites on June 22. 

In response, the Department of Homeland Security issued a bulletin urging local and state law enforcement agencies to prepare for potential retaliatory attacks by Iranian-backed domestic extremists.

The DHS alert stated, “If Iranian leadership issues a religious ruling calling for retaliation, the likelihood of violent extremist acts in the Homeland would significantly increase.” 

The document also highlighted Iran’s ongoing campaign to target U.S. government officials linked to the 2020 killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani.

Gilliam emphasized that rural communities may be particularly vulnerable due to typically lighter security infrastructure compared to major cities.

“We could see attacks in rural states, especially at outdoor venues or vacation hotspots,” he said. “This threat mirrors recent attacks overseas, such as those in Israel and India, which targeted similar locations.”

Federal authorities have arrested roughly 670 individuals with ties to Iran, including former military snipers and members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, the elite force that protects Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and advances Iran’s regional interests, according to Trending Politics.

This heightened concern regarding Iranian sleeper cells reflects years of ongoing intelligence and law enforcement efforts aimed at detecting and disrupting potential threats tied to Tehran within U.S. borders. 

Analysts warn that the combination of geopolitical tensions, domestic vulnerabilities and evolving tactics makes the threat landscape increasingly complex.

With national security officials continuing to monitor and respond to this challenge, rural Americans are urged to stay alert and report suspicious activity. 

As counterterrorism strategies evolve, local law enforcement and communities will play a critical role in preventing potential attacks and protecting public safety.

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