(DCNF)—The U.S. strike against Iran on Saturday night has ignited fears that Iran may choose to orchestrate attacks against Americans with undercover agents.
Iran threatened to activate sleeper cells in the U.S. days before President Donald Trump decided to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities Saturday night, two U.S. officials told NBC News. In the wake of the U.S. attacks against the Iranian nuclear program, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a memo Sunday warning of a “heightened threat environment” in light of the attacks, warning that Iranian government affiliates could launch terrorist attacks.
“The likelihood of violent extremists in the Homeland independently mobilizing to violence in response to the conflict would likely increase if Iranian leadership issued a religious ruling calling for retaliatory violence against targets in the Homeland,” the memo read. “Multiple recent Homeland terrorist attacks have been motivated by anti-Semitic or anti-Israel sentiment, and the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict could contribute to U.S.-based individuals plotting additional attacks.”
Trump announced a ceasefire agreement on Truth Social Monday evening between Iran and Israel, set to go into effect at approximately 12:00 a.m. EST, which would mark an end to the ongoing twelve day conflict assuming it holds. While Iran may have indicated it is no longer interested in continuing the war in the short-term with the agreement, the regime has a considerable history of pursuing violent plots on American soil.
In 2011, two men linked to the Iranian government were charged in a plot to assassinate the Saudi Arabian Ambassador on American soil. One co-conspirator, Gholam Shakuri, was involved in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Qods Force, a key cog of Tehran’s state-sponsored terror machine.
More recently in 2024, suspected Iranian asset Farhad Shakeri was arrested in connection to an alleged plot to surveil and murder an Iranian dissident with U.S. citizenship, as well as potentially targeting Trump himself. The attack was allegedly intended to be revenge for Trump’s decision to eliminate IRGC Qods Force Gen. Qassem Soleimani in 2020.
An Iranian Intelligence operative, Majid Dastjani Farahani, was suspected by law enforcement officials of trying to target key former Trump administration officials in March 2024, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
Iranian novelist Salman Rushdie, the author of a book that some Islamic religious authorities found blasphemous and the subject of an Iranian fatwa, was stabbed in 2022 by a man with ties to Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy.
Simone Ledeen, former deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, told the Daily Caller News Foundation that Iranian networks are a cause for major concern given their history of activity in the U.S., especially after the strikes that hammered Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.
“I think there is a real threat and it should be taken seriously,” Ledeen told the DCNF. “We have U.S. citizens and U.S. military, those are all potential targets for these sleeper cells. But I would also take a step back and look at the attempted murders that the Iranian regime has undertaken in the last decade or so.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netayahu has claimed that Iran attempted to assassinate Trump twice, but did not elaborate on the incidents to which he was referring. Trump said in February that he left “instructions” if he is assassinated by Iran, and that there would be “nothing left” of the Islamic Republic in the event that Tehran orchestrates his assassination, according to The Associated Press.
Lax border enforcement under former President Joe Biden allowed hundreds of Iranian nationals to enter the U.S. without much or any vetting, raising concerns that individuals on missions from Tehran could still be present in the U.S. The Biden administration apprehended 1,504 Iranian nationals at the southern border, releasing 729 into the U.S. between fiscal years 2021 to 2024.
“I’m sure the FBI is all over it, but they can’t always be everywhere, so people should feel alert,” Ledeen told the DCNF.
The U.S. dropped a number of bunker buster bombs on three Iranian nuclear sites in a daring attack on Saturday night, with initial damage assessments reportedly showing considerable damage to the Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan sites in central Iran. In response, Tehran has considered blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping vein for the global oil supply.
Iran also launched a missile attack against a U.S. air base in Qatar Monday, with no rockets landing on target or any casualties reported. Trump noted in a Monday post to Truth Social that the Iranian regime effectively notified Washington of the attacks in advance.
Trump is hopeful that the Iranians will pursue peace after the ineffectual strike, saying in the same Monday Truth Social Post that he would “enthusiastically” encourage peace between Iran and Israel.
The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs could not be reached for comment.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact [email protected].
Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s economy, healthcare costs remain one of the biggest threats to financial stability and family security. Americans work hard to build a better life, yet rising medical expenses can quickly erode savings, force tough trade-offs, and even push families toward debt or bankruptcy. Medical bills continue to rank as the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, with millions facing underinsurance or unexpected out-of-pocket burdens that no one plans for. Many turn to government-run marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act, hoping for relief, only to discover that what appears affordable on paper often delivers higher long-term costs, limited real protection, and coverage that may not align with personal values or family needs.
America First Healthcare stands out as a private insurance agency dedicated to helping conservatives and families secure better coverage and better rates through customized, values-aligned options. By conducting free insurance reviews, the agency uncovers hidden gaps in existing policies and connects clients with private alternatives that emphasize personal responsibility, small-government principles, and genuine affordability—often delivering up to 20% savings while providing stronger protection for the American Dream.
The allure of marketplace plans is easy to understand: open enrollment periods, premium tax credits for many households, and the promise of “comprehensive” benefits mandated by law. Yet recent data reveals a different reality, especially after the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies at the end of 2025. Enrollment for 2026 dropped by more than one million people compared to the prior year, with many shifting to lower-tier bronze plans to keep monthly premiums manageable.
These plans feature significantly higher deductibles—averaging around $7,500 nationally—and greater cost-sharing requirements. Families who once paid modest amounts after subsidies now face average premium increases of $65 or more per month, even as they accept plans that leave them responsible for thousands in upfront costs before meaningful coverage kicks in.
High deductibles create a dangerous barrier to care. Studies show that people in such plans are less likely to seek timely treatment for chronic conditions, attend preventive screenings, or fill necessary prescriptions. A seemingly minor illness or injury can balloon into major expenses when patients delay care until problems worsen. For a family of four, a single hospitalization, cancer diagnosis, or unexpected surgery can easily exceed the deductible, triggering coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums that still leave substantial bills. One recent analysis noted that some proposed changes could push family deductibles toward $31,000 in future years, further exposing households to financial risk.
Beyond the numbers, marketplace plans often carry structural limitations. Coverage for certain critical services may include waiting periods or narrower networks that restrict access to preferred doctors and specialists. Preventive care is required to be covered without cost-sharing, but everything else—lab work, imaging, specialist visits, or ongoing treatment—typically waits until the deductible is met. This reactive model contrasts sharply with the proactive, holistic approach many families prefer, especially those focused on wellness, early intervention, and maintaining health to enjoy life rather than merely reacting to illness.
Values alignment represents another growing concern. Government-influenced plans operate within a framework shaped by federal mandates and political priorities that may not reflect conservative principles of limited government, personal freedom, and ethical stewardship. Families who want to direct their healthcare dollars toward providers and benefits that honor traditional values sometimes find marketplace options feel misaligned, forcing a compromise between affordability and conviction.
Private alternatives, by contrast, offer year-round flexibility without the restrictions of open enrollment windows. Independent agents can shop across a wider range of carriers to design plans tailored to specific family needs—whether that means lower deductibles for frequent medical users, broader provider networks, or add-ons that support wellness and preventive services from day one. Clients frequently report more stable premiums that do not automatically escalate each year, along with genuine cost savings once the full picture of deductibles, copays, and coverage depth is considered.
Take the experience of real families who made the switch. Amanda C. shared that her new plan felt “way better” than what she had through the marketplace. Johnny Y. noted his previous coverage kept increasing annually until he found a more stable private option. Sofia S. expressed delight with her plan and began recommending it to others. These stories echo a common theme: when families move beyond one-size-fits-all government marketplaces, they often discover customized protection that better safeguards both health and finances.
Founder Jordan Sarmiento’s own journey underscores the stakes. In 2021, a six-day hospitalization generated a $95,000 bill. Under a well-structured private “Conservative Care Coverage” plan, his out-of-pocket responsibility would have been just $500. That stark difference illustrates how thoughtful planning and private options can prevent a medical event from becoming a financial catastrophe.
Practical steps exist for anyone questioning their current coverage. Start with a no-obligation review of your existing policy to identify gaps—high deductibles, limited critical-care benefits, or escalating premiums. Compare total projected costs (premiums plus potential out-of-pocket expenses) rather than monthly premiums alone. Consider family health history, anticipated needs, and lifestyle priorities. Private agencies can present side-by-side options that include stronger wellness incentives, broader access, and plans built on shared values of self-reliance and freedom.
In an era when healthcare inflation continues to outpace general cost-of-living increases, relying solely on marketplace solutions carries growing risk. Families who proactively explore private alternatives frequently achieve meaningful savings while gaining peace of mind that their coverage truly works when needed most.
America First Healthcare makes this exploration straightforward through its free review process. Families and individuals receive personalized guidance to close coverage holes, reduce unnecessary expenses, and secure plans that align with conservative principles—protecting wallets, health, and the American Dream without government overreach. Many who complete a review discover they can enjoy better benefits for less, often saving up to 20% while gaining the customization and stability that marketplace plans struggle to deliver.
Ultimately, protecting your family’s future requires looking beyond the marketing of “affordable” government options. By understanding the long-term costs hidden in high deductibles, shifting coverage tiers, and values mismatches, Americans can make empowered choices. Private, values-driven insurance offers a smarter path—one that rewards diligence, supports wellness, and delivers real security. For those ready to move beyond the limitations of traditional marketplace plans, a simple review can reveal options designed to serve families, not bureaucracies. The American Dream thrives when individuals and families retain control over their healthcare decisions, and thoughtful private coverage plays a vital role in making that possible.