White House monitoring possible Iranian 'sleeper cells' in US: Source

Source: NewsNation

White House monitoring possible Iranian ‘sleeper cells’ in US: Source

Rich McHugh, Diana Falzone
Updated: Jun 20, 2025 / 08:32 PM CDT

• Sleeper cells remain inactive until contacted, ordered to act
• Both Biden, Trump administrations concerned about possibility
• A recent DHS threat assessment concurs

(NewsNation) — As the Iranian supreme leader threatens “irreparable harm” if the United States joins Israel’s fight, the White House is warning of so-called Iranian “sleeper cells.” The Trump and Biden administrations have long been concerned about Iran’s ability to direct or inspire attacks within the U.S.

Sleeper cells are spies or terrorists who operate in the U.S. and Western countries and remain inactive until they are essentially ordered to act. Experts who have spoken with NewsNation said should the U.S. join Israel’s strikes against Iran, they may try to activate these cells.

A recent U.S. Department of Homeland Security threat assessment concurs, saying that the intelligence community expects Iran to remain the primary sponsor of terrorism and continue its efforts to advance plots against individuals, including current and former U.S. officials. That assessment echoed similar guidance from Biden’s Department of Homeland Security in 2024. Experts say given the recent escalation between Israel and Iran, the possibility is very real.

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Read more: https://www.newsnationnow.com/world/war-in-israel/iranian-sleeper-cells-us-source/