A counterterrorism expert has discussed the potential domestic risks of terror attacks in the United States following recent U.S. strikes on Iran. Matthew Levitt, from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, highlighted several areas of concern.
Historical Precedent and Hezbollah Operatives
Levitt recalled the 2017 arrest of Ali Kourani, a Hezbollah operative who described himself as a "sleeper cell." Kourani reportedly indicated he would be called to act if there was a direct conflict between the United States and Iran, citing preoperational surveillance and planning he had conducted.
While most Iranian plots in the United States have historically failed, Levitt emphasized that a single successful attack could have significant consequences.
Following the January 2020 killing of Iran's Quds Force head, Iran pledged retaliation. This led to several thwarted plots, including one currently on trial in New York where individuals were allegedly hired by Iranians to target U.S. officials.
Cyber Capabilities
Regarding cyber threats, Levitt assessed Iran's hacking capabilities as "good enough" to disrupt services. He noted instances where Iranian actors had accessed systems of a Pennsylvania dam and Boston Children's Hospital, indicating a capacity for non-kinetic disruption, such as banking services.
Lone-Offender Threats and Radicalization
The expert also discussed the Iranian diaspora in the United States, noting that while the majority oppose the Iranian regime, some individuals do support it. A concern exists for "lone-offender plots" where individuals decide independently to carry out attacks.
Levitt mentioned a recent shooting attack in Austin where the perpetrator wore an Iranian flag T-shirt. Authorities are investigating this as a potential terrorist incident possibly tied to Iran. He added that authorities have expressed concern that Iran actively attempts to radicalize individuals within the United States for lone-offender attacks.
U.S. Counterterrorism Defenses
Levitt characterized U.S. defenses against such attacks as generally robust, both at the border and domestically. However, he raised concerns about recent departures from the FBI and agents being reassigned from full-time counterterrorism work to immigration.
This reallocation, he suggested, could create gaps in consistent counterterrorism focus, which is crucial for thwarting plots.
He stressed the importance of continuous and consistent monitoring to effectively counter these threats.