After Iran warned of retaliation against the United States and Israel following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) raised its alert level to the highest to prepare for potential terrorist threats inside the United States. In Europe as well, there is a series of moves to strengthen counterterrorism readiness.
According to Bloomberg News, Kash Patel, the FBI Director General, on the 1st (local time) ordered counterterrorism and counterintelligence units to maintain the highest level of alert.
The move came as Iran launched retaliatory attacks using ballistic missiles and drones against U.S. military bases and U.S. allies in the Middle East.
The FBI, in particular, has activated a joint counterterrorism task force with police in New York to closely monitor the activities of pro-Iran groups. However, it said that, so far, efforts remain at a hostile-investigation level and there are no indications that they have led to specific threat actions.
It also said it is closely watching the movements of Hezbollah, the Lebanese armed faction that is part of Iran's "axis of resistance."
On the 28th of last month, the U.S. State Department issued an advisory to Americans worldwide, urging those in the Middle East in particular to follow safety guidance from local embassies and consulates.
Tensions are also rising in Europe. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in a social media video that "the possibility of terrorist attacks is growing across Europe," adding that Hungary has also raised its level of preparedness for terrorist threats by one notch.