Former FBI Official Warns Iran-Linked Sleeper Cells Could Strike on U.S. Soil

A seasoned former FBI official is warning that Iranian-aligned terror networks could be poised to carry out attacks on American soil. Chris Swecker, who once served as an assistant FBI director, told reporters that Iran’s leadership is under intense pressure and could lash out through proxies such as Hezbollah or other Iran-backed militias now that U.S. and allied strikes have weakened the regime.

Swecker said that if there’s ever a moment when sleeper cells tied to Iranian interests might spring into action, “this would be the catalyst.” These sleeper cells — covert operatives embedded in communities and waiting for orders — may have been deterred in the past by the threat of swift U.S. retaliation, but could now feel they have little to lose.

Drawing on his years of FBI experience, Swecker explained that intelligence has previously detected activity consistent with sleeper cells preparing or raising funds, training, and even acquiring weapons. He warned that these groups could shift from passive support roles to active violence if they receive the command.

Although he stressed that a domestic attack is not imminent, Swecker said that U.S. security agencies must “be on their toes” and prepare for all contingencies. The former official described these groups as organized, state-sponsored militias with the potential to conduct violence against American interests.

In this tense period, when the regime in Tehran appears both weakened and desperate after recent strikes, Swecker believes that dormant terror networks could conclude the time is right to act. This warning echoes broader concerns in national security circles that foreign adversaries may exploit global instability to strike at the homeland.