• The U.S. issues a warning of a "heightened threat environment" post-strikes on Iran.
• Low-level cyber attacks by pro-Iranian hacktivists are anticipated.
• Increased anti-Semitism and Islamophobia reported amid escalating tensions.
• Law enforcement in several U.S. cities is on high alert and deploying additional resources.

A bulletin from the National Terrorism Advisory System has declared a "heightened threat environment in the United States" following recent U.S. military strikes on Iran's nuclear sites. The advisory warns of potential "low-level cyber attacks against U.S. networks" by pro-Iranian hacktivists as well as possible actions from Iranian-affiliated cyber actors. It emphasizes that violent extremists might mobilize if Iranian leadership calls for retaliatory violence, raising concerns over domestic security amidst international conflict, according to CBS News, Reuters, and India Times.

The ongoing conflict, exacerbated by U.S. involvement and the Israel-Iran tensions, has prompted visible increases in anti-Semitic and anti-Islam sentiments within the U.S. Following an October 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel, rights advocates have noted a correlating spike in Islamophobia, further complicating the domestic landscape. The DHS bulletin underlines that incidents in this environment could lead to violence by domestic extremists, according to Reuters and India Times.

As a precautionary measure, law enforcement agencies in major U.S. cities like New York, Washington, and Los Angeles have deployed additional resources to cultural and diplomatic sites. The NYPD confirmed they are monitoring the situation and increasing patrols among vulnerable spaces, aligning with national concerns for public safety during heightened tensions, according to CBS News, Reuters, and India Times.