As tensions between the U.S. and Iran remain high, American cities are ramping up security amid concerns that Tehran may retaliate against perceived enemies on U.S. soil. Iran has a long history of targeting dissidents, activists, and foreign officials through assassination plots, often employing proxy networks or hired operatives. Recent intelligence suggests that the regime could be planning similar operations in response to U.S. actions, raising alarms among law enforcement and counterterrorism officials.
Iran’s Track Record of Assassinations and Plots
Iran has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to carry out extraterritorial attacks to silence critics and exact revenge. Some notable cases include:
1. The 1989 Assassination of Kurdish Leader Abdul Rahman Ghassemlou
Ghassemlou, a prominent Iranian-Kurdish opposition figure, was killed in Vienna during negotiations with Iranian agents posing as diplomats. The attack underscored Tehran’s willingness to eliminate dissidents abroad.
2. The 1992 Mykonos Restaurant Attack in Berlin
Iranian agents assassinated four Kurdish opposition leaders at a Berlin restaurant. A German court later implicated top Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in the plot.
3. The Foiled 2011 Plot to Kill Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador in Washington, D.C.
The U.S. uncovered a scheme involving an Iranian-American used-car salesman and a member of Iran’s Quds Force, a branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The plan was to bomb a Washington restaurant where the Saudi ambassador was dining.
4. The 2020 Killing of Iranian Dissident Masih Alinejad’s Assailants
U.S. authorities thwarted a kidnapping plot against journalist Masih Alinejad, a vocal critic of the Iranian regime. The FBI arrested individuals linked to Iranian intelligence who had surveilled her home in New York.
5. The 2022 Attempted Murder of Author Salman Rushdie
Although not directly ordered by Tehran, the attack on Rushdie—who was stabbed on stage in New York—was carried out by a sympathizer of Iran’s 1989 fatwa calling for his death. The incident highlighted the enduring threat posed by Iran’s ideological proxies.
Why U.S. Cities Are on High Alert
Recent geopolitical developments have increased concerns that Iran may escalate covert operations on American soil:
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Retaliation for U.S. Strikes: The U.S. has conducted strikes against IRGC-linked militias in Iraq and Syria, and the killing of Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani in 2020 remains a sore point for Tehran.
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Crackdowns on Iranian Spies: The U.S. has arrested multiple individuals linked to Iranian intelligence operations, including those surveilling Jewish and Iranian-American communities.
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Cyber and Physical Threats: Iran has been linked to cyberattacks and assassination plots against former U.S. officials, including ex-National Security Advisor John Bolton.
Law enforcement agencies in major cities—particularly New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.—are increasing surveillance around potential targets, including:
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Iranian dissidents and activists
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Former U.S. officials involved in Iran policy
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Jewish and Israeli institutions (given Iran’s hostility toward Israel)
How Iran Operates on U.S. Soil
Iranian operations in the U.S. often involve:
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Proxy Networks: Using criminal groups or Hezbollah-linked operatives to carry out attacks while maintaining plausible deniability.
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Surveillance and Recruitment: Iranian agents monitor dissidents and recruit individuals (often dual nationals) to assist in plots.
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Cyber Espionage: Iranian hackers have targeted critical infrastructure and political figures.
What Can Be Done to Mitigate the Threat?
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Enhanced Intelligence Sharing: Federal agencies like the FBI and DHS must collaborate with local law enforcement to track potential threats.
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Protection for At-Risk Individuals: High-profile Iranian dissidents and former officials may need increased security.
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Countering Iranian Propaganda: Preventing radicalization within diaspora communities is key to disrupting recruitment.
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Diplomatic Pressure: Holding Iran accountable through sanctions and international condemnation for extraterritorial attacks.
Conclusion
As U.S. cities bolster security, the risk of Iranian-sponsored assassination plots remains a serious concern. Tehran’s history of retaliatory violence—whether through proxies, hired assassins, or cyber operations—means vigilance is essential. By strengthening intelligence efforts and protecting vulnerable targets, the U.S. can mitigate the threat while sending a clear message that such actions will not go unanswered.
