The House Intelligence Committee chair has called on Americans to remain vigilant amid growing concerns about possible terrorist threats linked to the escalating Iran-Israel conflict. During an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Chair Rick Crawford, R-Ark., urged citizens to maintain a heightened sense of situational awareness, citing the recent U.S. military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran’s threat of sleeper cells as key factors in the current security environment. He also blamed the former Biden administration for allowing an ‘illegal immigration crisis’ that he claims could have potentially facilitated the entry of bad actors into the U.S. ‘We know historically, Iran being the leading state sponsor of terror, we also know that during the Biden years, there were hundreds of Iranians that were allowed to come in, pretty much unchecked,’ Crawford said. The chair emphasized the need to ‘redouble our counter-intelligence posture’ following the Department of Homeland Security’s warning of a ‘heightened threat environment.’ Meanwhile, White House border czar Tom Homan confirmed that over 1,272 Iranian nationals were released under Biden’s administration, raising concerns about potential terror threats linked to these individuals.
The U.S. military’s weekend strike on three key Iranian nuclear bases was hailed as a success by most Republicans and some pro-Israel Democrats. The targeted attack, which U.S. officials said was not an act of war, followed a week of escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Israel launched preemptive strikes in and around Tehran earlier this month, killing several top Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists. Analysts suggest that Israel’s actions may have created a strategic opportunity for U.S. nuclear talks with Iran. The Department of Homeland Security issued a memo warning of a ‘heightened threat environment’ over the Israel-Iran conflict shortly after the U.S. strike. NBC News reported that Iran threatened to activate sleeper cells in the U.S. if attacked, which has raised alarm among top U.S. national security officials.
Crawford’s comments come as the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence plans to address the heightened terror environment in the U.S. through the next fiscal year’s Intelligence Authorization Act. He emphasized the need to ‘step up our counter-intelligence presence’ and ensure that federal law enforcement agencies are adequately resourced to address the threat. While he acknowledged the risks posed by Iran, he urged Americans to continue their daily lives while staying aware of their surroundings, particularly in large public spaces. ‘If something doesn’t feel right… don’t go there. Trust your judgment on that,’ Crawford said. He also noted that while he does not expect a 9/11-like attack, the potential for terror cells to act and cause economic or social upheaval remains a concern. He stressed that the goal is not to incite fear but to ensure that citizens are alert and prepared to respond should any threats emerge.