Iran activated sleeper cells across the globe after Khamenei’s death: Report

Iran may have issued a possible “operational trigger” intended to activate sleeper agents abroad after the military conflict involving the United States and Israel began, according to an encrypted message reportedly intercepted by Washington.

Heavy airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran have continued for more than a week, while Tehran has launched further attacks on Israel and several Gulf countries. At the same time, Israel has intensified strikes against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, even as the militant group continues firing rockets into Israel.

Iran activating sleeper cells?

According to a report by ABC News, US intelligence intercepted an encrypted transmission that appeared to carry a potential “operational trigger” meant for sleeper assets overseas.

The coded signal was reportedly broadcast after the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on February 28. The message appeared to contain instructions intended for “covert operatives or sleeper assets,” citing a federal alert sent to US law enforcement agencies.

The alert warned that the transmission could be intended to activate or guide prepositioned sleeper assets operating outside Iran.

Officials said the intercepted broadcast was encrypted and likely meant for clandestine recipients who possess the required decryption key. Such transmissions are designed to deliver instructions to covert operatives without relying on internet or mobile networks.

According to the alert, intelligence agencies detected a broadcast station repeatedly transmitting the message to multiple countries outside Iran. Authorities said the sudden appearance of a new station with international rebroadcast capability warranted heightened security awareness.

However, the memo noted that there is currently no confirmed operational threat linked to a specific location. Law enforcement agencies were nevertheless asked to increase monitoring of unusual radio-frequency signals.

US officials increase security

Counterintelligence experts have raised concerns about possible retaliatory attacks within the United States amid the ongoing conflict. Former FBI assistant director Chris Swecker warned that militant networks linked to groups such as Hezbollah or Hamas could potentially attempt attacks in the country.

Following US strikes on Iran on February 28, Kash Patel, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, said counterterrorism and intelligence teams had been placed on high alert and additional security assets mobilised.

When asked about the possibility of Iran launching attacks on the US mainland, President Donald Trump said the threat was being closely monitored and contingency plans were in place.

Meanwhile, authorities in major US cities such as Los Angeles, Miami and New York City have stepped up patrols around sensitive locations, including places of worship, cultural centres and schools.