United States security agencies are examining a trove of encrypted transmissions believed to have originated in Iran that may signal the activation of secret agents outside the country, according to a federal government warning sent to law enforcement agencies.
The alert, reviewed by ABC News, indicates that U.S. officials intercepted the coded communications shortly after the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on Feb. 28. The report cites analysts as saying that the transmissions could serve as an “operational trigger” that they believed was meant to secret the encryption keys in question.
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While authorities stress that no specific operational threat has yet been identified, the alert has prompted heightened vigilance among federal and local law enforcement agencies.
Encrypted transmissions raise “Sleeper Cell” security concerns.
According to an alert reported by ABC news, a preliminary analysis of the signals revealed a transmission of “probable Iranian origin” that was rebroadcast to several countries shortly after Khamenei’s death.
The message was coded and believed to be intended for “secret recipients” capable of deciphering its contents.
Officials described the communications as the type commonly used to relay instructions to undercover agents without relying on Internet channels.
The alert said the transmission appeared to be designed to “convey instructions to ‘undercover agents or dormant assets’ without the use of the Internet or mobile networks.”
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US authorities added that it was possible the message could be “intended to activate or provide guidance to pre-positioned sleepers operating outside the country of origin”.
The exact content of the transmission remains unknown.
“While the exact content of these transmissions cannot be determined at this time, the sudden appearance of a new station with international rebroadcast characteristics warrants heightened situational awareness,” the alert said.
According to authorities, no specific threat has been identified
Despite the concerns raised by the intercepted communications, US officials stressed that there is currently no confirmed operational threat linked to the specific location.
But the alert directs law enforcement to increase surveillance for unusual radio frequency transmissions and other signals that could indicate covert communications networks.
What are dormant cells?
Sleeper cells are hidden groups or individuals embedded in a foreign country who remain inactive for long periods of time until instructed to carry out operations.
Such agents often lead ordinary lives while secretly maintaining allegiance to an intelligence service or militant organization. When activated, they can perform espionage, sabotage or attack strategic targets.
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Because sleeper cells operate silently for long periods without communication, it can be difficult for intelligence agencies to detect them.
Encrypted broadcasts transmitted via radio signals have historically been used by intelligence organizations to communicate with such agents, as messages can be transmitted anonymously and intercepted only by those with the correct decryption keys.
A war with Iran raises global security concerns
The warning comes at a time of escalating tensions following the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. The killing of Ali Khamenei during the early stages of the conflict significantly increased geopolitical tensions throughout the region.
Security officials have long warned that Iran could potentially rely on covert networks or allied groups abroad to respond to similar attacks.
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The latest intelligence alert does not confirm that sleeper cells have been activated, but authorities say intercepted transmissions call for increased vigilance.
US law enforcement agencies are now being urged to closely monitor suspicious communications and unusual signal activity as investigators attempt to determine the true purpose of the mysterious broadcast.
