As tensions rise between the U.S. and Iran, federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies are keeping a close eye on possible domestic threats — though, for now, officials say there’s no specific or credible danger on the radar.

Watching Old Names, Preparing for New Moves

Law enforcement is taking a fresh look at individuals in the U.S. with known or suspected ties to Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group. The review comes as a precaution, not because of any actionable intelligence — but with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warning of possible consequences for U.S. actions, officials aren’t taking any chances.

While the biggest risks are believed to be overseas — targeting U.S. military bases or interests in the Middle East — agencies are also tightening their domestic watch in case tensions spill over.

Trump, Assassination Plots, and Lone Wolves

Part of the heightened concern stems from lingering fallout over the U.S. killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in 2020 during Donald Trump’s presidency. Iran has made repeated threats of retaliation, and Trump himself remains on a so-called hit list maintained by the regime, alongside other current and former U.S. officials.

Last year, the Justice Department revealed a murder-for-hire plot allegedly orchestrated by Iran targeting Trump and others. Officials have also tied Iranian hackers to cyberattacks on Trump’s campaign — a reminder that retaliation doesn’t always come in the form of bombs or bullets.

But the most unpredictable threat, officials say, comes from lone actors.

“There’s always a threat,” one federal official told CNN. “The difference is when it’s specific and credible.”

In recent months, U.S. agencies have dealt with multiple attacks carried out by individuals acting alone, with no online footprint or communications — the kind of threat that’s nearly impossible to detect ahead of time.

Criminal Networks Over Domestic Groups

Interestingly, officials say that recent Iran-related threats haven’t come from domestic supporters or fundraising groups linked to organizations like Hezbollah or Hamas. Instead, Iran appears more interested in using criminal networks that can be hired to surveil or attack specific targets.

In one case last year, two U.S. citizens were charged with helping Iranian officials surveil an anti-regime activist in New York. In another, an Afghan national was accused of plotting assassinations on behalf of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) — including a potential attack on Trump.

Security Tightened, But Routine

In Washington, security around sensitive sites like the White House, Pentagon, and Israeli embassy has been quietly increased in recent weeks. Officials say that’s standard protocol whenever global conflict ramps up — in this case, following fresh hostilities between Israel and Iran.

The Secret Service is maintaining high vigilance but, according to one official, hasn’t seen a rise in credible threats.

Following the Money

One of the FBI’s top domestic priorities remains tracking how terrorist groups, especially those backed by Iran, may be getting financial support from inside the U.S. That concern spiked after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which raised alarms over terror financing networks.

Situation Fluid

For now, officials emphasize there’s no uptick in threats — but things could change quickly, especially if the U.S. escalates military action.

“It just depends,” one source said, pointing to ongoing threat assessments and the uncertainty surrounding how Iran may respond to moves made by Trump or the U.S. government.

In short: nothing’s imminent, but the watchful eyes of U.S. law enforcement aren’t blinking.

Source: CNN – Officials monitoring potential Iran-linked threats in the US, but see nothing credible

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WASHINGTON — A social media post by former FBI Director James Comey is drawing intense scrutiny from the Trump administration and has triggered a federal investigation, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Comey posted a photo on Instagram showing a group of seashells arranged to resemble the numbers “86 47”, along with the caption: “Cool shell formation on my beach walk.”

While it may have appeared harmless to some, several Trump officials and conservative commentators say the numbers imply a threat against Donald Trump, the 47th president of the United States. In slang, “86” can mean “to eliminate” or “get rid of,” and some interpreted the full message as a veiled call for Trump’s assassination.

“DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately,” Noem posted, echoing a wave of GOP outrage.

Comey Responds: “I Oppose Violence”

The backlash prompted Comey to delete the post and clarify his intentions.

“I posted earlier a picture of some shells I saw today on a beach walk, which I assumed were a political message,” Comey wrote in a follow-up. “It never occurred to me [the numbers] might be associated with violence, but I oppose violence of any kind, so I took the post down.”

Comey, who led the FBI from 2013 until his controversial firing by Trump in 2017, is currently a crime novelist. His latest book, FDR Drive, is set for release this Tuesday.

Conservative Figures Sound the Alarm

The post ignited a firestorm among conservatives. Donald Trump Jr. accused Comey of calling for his father’s death, while others claimed the message endangered the president during his current trip to the Middle East.

James Blair, a White House deputy chief of staff, called the post a “Clarion Call” to terrorists and hostile regimes, warning that it could be interpreted as incitement against the president abroad.

Current FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed he is aware of the situation and is coordinating with the Secret Service on next steps.

What’s in a Number?

The controversy hinges on interpretation. According to Merriam-Webster, “86” is a slang term typically used to mean “to throw out” or “refuse service,” but some modern usages have stretched it to include “to kill” — though that meaning remains rare and unofficial.

Whether Comey’s post was intentional or simply an unfortunate coincidence, the situation highlights the charged political climate and the sensitivity surrounding any suggestion of harm toward national leaders.

Source: AP News – Trump administration officials say Secret Service is investigating Comey’s ’86 47′ social media post

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