Long before the Iranian military conflict erupted between the United States and Iran, concerns over Iranian sleeper cells existed within the intelligence community. Unlike traditional terrorists who do not report to a single head of state, potential sleeper cells could be awaiting orders to activate any plan. Years could pass between the time they entered the United States and when the orders would be given. This makes them extremely difficult to locate as sleeper cells embed themselves into everyday American life. Now that a direct military clash between the United States and Iran has begun, concerns over when the orders may arrive and where they will attack are at an all time high. Here is what every citizen needs to understand about this potential threat.
The Latest Intelligence on Iranian Sleeper Cells Performative Terror Versus Tactical Success Washington D.C. and New York are Hard Targets for Iranian Sleeper Cells Possible Iranian Targets Across the United States What the Average American Can Do to Prepare for Iran Threats How long can sleeper operatives stay inactive?Table of Contents
The Latest Intelligence on Iranian Sleeper Cells
The intelligence on sleeper cells will be updated regularly, but here is where we stand as of March 12th, 2026. The FBI recently warned law enforcement agencies across California that Iranian agents may attempt a drone attack on the west coast. Intelligence of such threats were unverified at the time, but the FBI thought it was serious enough to post the bulletin.
Iranian drones are known to have a range of 600 miles to 1,500 miles depending on the model of drone used. With international waters coming within 12 miles of the U.S. coastline and the exclusive economic zone residing only 200 miles of the coast, the threat of an Iranian drone strike is entirely plausible. Rocket assisted drones can be launched from small trucks on the land and a small watercraft at sea. For more about the Iranian drone threat from sea, here is our latest update.
Earlier this year, the FBI investigated increased surveillance of military personnel in the Tampa area. Just this week, the FBI investigated persons expressing support for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in Austin, TX. Last month, several Silicon Valley engineers were indicted for stealing trade secrets from companies like Google and sending the information to Iran. Investigations in 2025 uncovered that Iran was using links to U.S. universities to bypass sanctions and obtain information regarding drones, missiles, and their sanctioned nuclear program. We know Iran has been active within the United States prior to the conflict. What we don’t know is where they will strike if Iranian sleeper agents are indeed activated.
Performative Terror Versus Tactical Success
When the terrorists attacked on 9-11, they were not going for a tactical victory. The destruction of the World Trade Centers, while tragic, did nothing to blunt U.S. military power. The attack on the Pentagon, while being a legitimate military target, had no chance of crippling the U.S. military. The aircraft that ultimately crashed in Pennsylvania during the September 11 attacks was believed to be headed toward Washington, D.C., most likely targeting the U.S. Capitol, though the White House was also considered a possible target. Even if such an attack had succeeded, the constitutional line of succession would have preserved continuity of executive power.
All of these attacks were performative in nature. They were designed to draw an emotional response from the citizens of the United States. At this point, it is unclear if activated Iranian sleeper cells would pursue performative targets or tactical targets designed to weaken American power. Iran has recently announced that it considers American banks and financial institutions as legitimate targets. With such a low barrier as to what is considered a legitimate target, the Iranians may pursue a tactical target that is also performative.
Washington D.C. and New York are Hard Targets for Potential Iran Sleeper Cells
Iranian sleeper cells would certainly have their sights set on the largest symbols of American power. Rather than attacking just a bank, an attack on the stock exchange would have immediate repercussions for the global economy. An attack on the White House would be a symbol of Iran’s reach and send a personal message to the President after the U.S. and Israel killed Iranian leadership.
The problem with these high-profile targets is that the security apparatus around them makes them difficult targets for a successful strike. The New York Police Department has built one of the strongest anti-terror programs in the wake of 9-11 and the FBI has an enormous presence in both New York and D.C. Our nation’s capital is also home to the Joint Air Defense Operations Center which boasts an array of capabilities to intercept airborne threats such as drones.
Despite the law enforcement and defensive capabilities in both cities, the performative allure of a successful strike on either city may be too big of a draw for Iranian sleeper cells. They know that they cannot achieve any significant tactical military success that would shape the war. They can, however, shape the opinions of the American public through such attacks and weaken support for the war. Cities of both New York and Washington D.C. would do well to maintain a high level of awareness and preparedness throughout the rest of 2026.
Possible Iranian Targets Across the United States
Whereas it would be impossible to cover every single possible target across the United States, we can break down potential targets into categories that a prepared citizen can use to evaluate their own risk in their own community. Amid Iran conflict, here are a few of the top categories that would make an attractive target for an Iranian sleeper cell.
Domestic U.S. Military Installations
The United States operates over 330 military installations across the homeland. With installations in all 50 states, this puts every part of the country in play for sleeper cells. Fortunately, these military bases are heavily defended and accessing the base is not an easy task.
We have seen successful incidents where individuals used their authorized access to the base to conduct an attack on service members, such as shooting at Fort Hood. In the past year, we have also seen arrests related to individuals plotting an attack on military bases while pledging their support for ISIS. As difficult a target as they may be to attack, counterterrorism experts suggest military bases must remain vigilant against the Iranian sleeper cell threat.
Military Personnel Off Base
Here in the United States, members of the United States military would do well to keep a low profile and maintain 100% situation awareness at all times while the threat of sleeper cells persists. Staying informed of updates and reporting concerns to the appropriate authorities can help reduce personal risk.
This means evaluating when you wear your uniform off base and keeping your social media profiles ambiguous. There are current FBI investigations of domestic surveillance of military personnel and they should be taken seriously. Getting onto a U.S. military base is a difficult task. Attempting to attack Marines while off-duty in places like Oceanside, CA, can be much easier.
We plead with all service members to maintain their situational awareness in the months to come. Your fellow service members are putting their lives on the line in the Iranian conflict, but that doesn’t mean you are 100% safe at home.
High Profile Mass Gatherings
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With ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, it may be reasonable to reassess attendance at high-profile mass gatherings. Official threat assessments should guide decisions, and you should follow public safety guidance. Authorities monitor credible risks to both civilian and military sites, and staying informed about alerts and recommended precautions can help you make safe choices.
An example, though a few months out, would be the World Cup that will be hosted in venues across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With the entire world paying attention, this makes a prime target if the conflict is not resolved by this Summer.
U.S. Power Grid and Key Infrastructure
While those who work at such locations should be concerned for their public safety, the threat to the average American family regarding strikes against key infrastructure rests in what comes afterwards. In 2003, a blackout hit the northeast that persisted for over 24 hours. That event required the Mayor of New York to organize over 40,000 police officers just to keep the peace for that brief period of time. Any cyberattack or attack on the power grid could have long lasting effects that would serve as a force multiplier for Iranian sleeper cells.
The next aspect to consider with regards to sleeper cells is to take CBRN threats seriously. They have researched how to cause the most damage and achieve the greatest performative effect for years. Creating an ongoing chemical or radiological attack that outlives themselves is high on their radar. There are 54 operating nuclear power plants dotted across 28 states. In addition, there are over 13,000 chemical manufacturing plants that are not as heavily protected as the nuclear power plants.
The best thing you can do is to have a professional grade gas mask available for every member of your family. We hope that you will never need one, but when you do need one, it will be too late to get it shipped to your family in time. It is a very reasonable precaution for the times and the Iranian threat that we are facing.
What the Average American Can Do to Prepare for Iran Threats
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Thankfully, for the prepared American, very little is needed other than an increase in awareness and vigilance. If you have prepared for the day that most people dread, the Iranian threat is nothing new under the sun. However, for the benefit of our entire audience, let’s run through the basics.
Personal protection and that of your family is your primary responsibility. That is key prepping 101. You cannot only rely on the police or the military as your primary means of keeping your family safe. As well intentioned as those entities may be, they can’t be everywhere at once.
Everyday carry of a firearm is a reasonable precaution. Properly secure the firearm and, if applicable, obtain the proper permits to carry. Most importantly, train with the firearm often so that you are a responsible gun owner. You don’t have to wear it 24/7, but body armor delivers in a big way should you ever get into a firefight. Keep your kit in your vehicle and accessible when needed.
Extra protection against chemical and radiological threats is also warranted. If you live near a nuclear power plant and you are concerned about possible sabotage, then a $20 dollar bottle of potassium iodide pills will be the most important purchase you make this year. Essentially, the conflict with Iran has increased the likelihood of an attack at home, not lessened it. When the threat goes up, so should your readiness and preparedness. There are certain precautions that you may not have thought to take before, but now is the time for increased vigilance.
How long can sleeper operatives stay inactive?
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We don’t say any of this to cause fear or panic. We simply support readiness and preparation at all times. We don’t have access to secret intelligence, but what is available in the public realm is enough to warrant an increased security posture for every American. Perhaps not forever, but at least over the next couple of months and the duration of this conflict.
The definition of a sleeper cell is that they remain hidden until activated. If Iranian sleeper cells are not activated now, when the regime is in open military conflict with the United States, they never will be. Now is the time to stand ready. If the team here at MIRA can support you in those plans, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Public safety depends not only on local law enforcement, but also on alert and engaged citizens. If you observe activity that seems unusual or concerning, trust your instincts and report it to your local authorities. If you see something, say something.
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