President Donald Trump issued a stark warning about the risk of Iranian sleeper cells operating in the United States, following an expletive-laden outburst about ongoing ceasefire violations and a tense phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The White House and U.S. security agencies have raised the national threat alert in response to these concerns.
Rising Tensions and Trump’s Warning
Trump’s warning came after reports that Iran had threatened to activate sleeper cells inside the U.S. if American forces attacked Iranian nuclear facilities. The threat was reportedly conveyed to Trump via an intermediary during the G7 summit in Canada last week, prompting the president to cut short his summit participation and return to Washington for urgent deliberations. Shortly after, Trump authorized U.S. strikes on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites, describing the operation as a “spectacular military success”.
Ceasefire Collapse and Trump’s Frustration
Despite Trump’s efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, the truce quickly collapsed. Trump was reportedly “exceptionally firm and direct” with Netanyahu in a phone call, warning the Israeli leader against launching an extensive strike on Iran after alleged ceasefire violations. Netanyahu insisted that some response was necessary, leading to a symbolic Israeli strike on a radar installation near Tehran. Trump later declared on social media that “nobody will be hurt” and that the ceasefire remained in effect, despite ongoing tensions.
Trump publicly vented his frustration, dropping an expletive while discussing the repeated ceasefire violations by both Israel and Iran. “I got to get Israel to calm down now,” he told reporters outside the White House, emphasizing his opposition to regime change in Iran and warning that further chaos could result from escalation.
Sleeper Cell Threat and U.S. Security Response
The Department of Homeland Security and other U.S. law enforcement agencies have raised the national threat level, citing concerns about Iranian sleeper cells potentially carrying out acts of terrorism on American soil. U.S. officials have warned that thousands of Iranian nationals have entered the country in recent years, some with little or no vetting, raising concerns about infiltration. While no specific sleeper cell attacks have been confirmed, authorities are on high alert and monitoring the situation closely.
Ongoing Conflict and International Response
The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in significant casualties, with hundreds reported dead in Iran and dozens in Israel. The United Nations and other international bodies have called for de-escalation, warning that the situation could spiral out of control if hostilities continue.
Trump’s warnings and actions highlight the complex and volatile nature of the current crisis, with the risk of further violence both in the Middle East and potentially within the United States.
