By Micah Jonah, April 8, 2026
A March 20 FBI and federal intelligence report warned U.S. law enforcement of an elevated threat from the Iranian government against U.S. military personnel, government buildings, Jewish and Israeli institutions, and Iranian dissidents on American soil.
The report highlighted attempts by Iran to lure victims abroad for potential kidnappings and executions. Methods noted included firearms, stabbings, vehicle rammings, bombings, poisoning, strangulation, and arson.
Despite these warnings, the White House previously downplayed the risk, blocking similar intelligence releases and emphasizing that threats to the general public were limited. President Donald Trump publicly minimized the possibility of attacks in the U.S., even as the administration escalated rhetoric toward Iran.
The report also noted that Iranian operatives often use individuals with legal U.S. status or access and monitor social media and digital tools to select targets. Federal authorities were advised to remain vigilant and share intelligence about suspicious activity.
The intelligence report was obtained by the transparency group Property of the People and shared with Reuters.
