ФБР попередило про постійну загрозу з боку Ірану попри заяви Білого дому
In the report, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other federal intelligence agencies warned of the ongoing threat posed by the Iranian government to US military and government facilities, Jewish and Israeli institutions, and Iranian dissidents within the country, Reuters reports.
The document notes that, at the same time, no large-scale threats to the US population have been identified.
Despite these assessments, President Donald Trump has downplayed the risk of possible attacks in public statements. In particular, on 11 March, he stated that he was not concerned about the likelihood of an attack by Iran on US soil.
The report also states that the conflict could increase the risk of physical attacks, and that extremists with various ideological views could use the situation as a pretext for violence.
According to intelligence, Iranian security services have previously attempted to kidnap and kill US citizens. Methods used in such attempts include firearms, knives, vehicles, explosives, poisoning, strangulation and arson.
The document also notes that Iran prefers to use individuals who already have legal status or access to the US. Social media, broadcasts and mapping services were monitored to select targets, as well as cyber tools, including phishing emails.
It is specifically noted that potential victims may have been lured to other countries, geographically closer to Iran, for subsequent abduction.
The report was prepared several weeks after the White House had previously blocked the publication of similar intelligence material. The administration explained at the time that this was due to the need for further verification of the information.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll last month showed that two-thirds of Americans support a swift end to US involvement in the war.
The document urged law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and pass on information about potential threats to federal authorities.
