Iran Likely to Activate Sleeper Cells Outside the Country

Iran May Be Activating Sleeper Cells

American intelligence agencies have put out a warning suggesting that Iran could be trying to activate its “sleeper cells” in foreign nations, and this has resulted in concerns about possible retaliatory strikes as the conflict between Tehran and the US-led coalition of nations intensifies.

This follows the interception of a mysterious encrypted communication, which is believed to have originated in Iran. “The monotone transmission recalled the manner in which deep-cover Cold War spies for the KGB and CIA once received orders. Using a special encryption code, the operatives could translate the numerals into a readable message,” according to The Los Angeles Times.

The communication is believed to have been designed as an “operational trigger” to contact its undercover operatives based in foreign nations and prepare for possible missions or await further instructions. Although officials have emphasized that there is no known threat at present and it is difficult to pinpoint its exact location, the interception of the communication has resulted in increased vigilance on the part of intelligence and security agencies in different nations.

Intercepted Message

The warning is based on an encrypted communication detected by US intelligence services. According to reports reviewed by federal agencies, the communication was transmitted from a newly identified station with international capability shortly after the death of Iran’s long-time supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.

The communication could have been intended for covert operatives living outside the nation’s borders, known as sleeper cells, which remain dormant until they are ordered to take action. These operatives normally live regular lives in foreign nations for long periods until they are called upon to take action. “The U.S. has intercepted encrypted communications believed to have originated in Iran that may serve as “an operational trigger” for “sleeper assets” outside the country, according to a federal government alert sent to law enforcement agencies,” according to ABC News.

The communication was reportedly transmitted shortly after the start of an all-out conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel, and officials are speculating whether it could have been intended as a coordinated effort in retaliation for military strikes.

Sleeper Cells

Sleeper cells are groups of agents or militants who are deployed to foreign countries to await orders from their respective governments or organizations. Unlike active cells, sleeper cells may take long periods of time, sometimes years or decades, before they are deployed.

Experts in security matters have described sleeper cells as hard to detect since their agents may be leading normal lives in foreign countries, having regular jobs and relationships, but are at the same time in constant communication with their respective organizations.

Iran has been accused by Western countries of maintaining sleeper cells of operatives through organizations such as Hezbollah, which has been known to conduct operations beyond the Middle East region. These cells may be deployed in reaction to increased tensions in the region.

Law Enforcement

Following this message, US federal authorities issued a bulletin to law enforcement agencies, asking them to be on the lookout for any suspicious communication signals. Another lead in the case is the tracing of unusual radio signals that may be connected to secret communication networks.

According to counterterrorism officials, they are working with international authorities to ascertain whether the message came from Iranian intelligence services or their affiliates.

The bulletin issued by US authorities noted that the message’s contents are still unknown, and it is still unclear what the message intends to convey. Nevertheless, the emergence of a new signal with worldwide coverage is unusual enough to be placed under close scrutiny.

Escalating Tensions

Following this message, US federal authorities circulated a bulletin to all law enforcement agencies, asking them to be on the lookout for any unusual communication signals. Another lead in this case is the tracing of unusual communication signals that might be associated with secret communication networks.

According to counter-terrorism authorities, they are still trying to determine whether this message emanated from Iranian intelligence services or their affiliates.

The bulletin circulated by US authorities on this message indicates that its content remains unknown, and it is still unclear what this message seeks to convey. However, a new message with worldwide coverage is unusual enough for scrutiny.

Security Concerns

The authorities in these countries have stepped up security measures in response to this intelligence warning. The law enforcement agencies in these countries are keeping a watchful eye on potential threats to government buildings, transportation hubs, or large public gatherings.

Some recent occurrences in North America are being investigated for a potential connection with this conflict, although no connection with Iranian groups has been confirmed at this time.

Experts in security matters urge that intelligence warnings about sleeper cells often represent a precautionary measure. In many cases, these warnings represent a way of encouraging vigilance rather than a sign that a strike is actually near at hand.

Experts in geopolitics argue that in times of conflict, a geopolitical crisis can spur groups or extremists sympathetic to a nation’s cause to attempt strikes in a foreign country.

The Future

However, the authorities assure the public that as yet, there is no confirmed plan and no identified target. The message intercepted by the security agencies is still under investigation. It is still not clear whether the message is a real call to activate the plan or merely an encrypted message.

Security agencies are still studying the message and any other related activities. Until then, law enforcement agencies are on the lookout for any suspicious activities and threats from foreign agents.

The incident is a reminder that international conflicts are not limited to the actual war zones. Today, security agencies are keeping a watchful eye for any indication that the plans of the secret agents could be instrumental in the escalating war between Iran and its enemies.

By David Loran Jr

A successful Editor-in-Chief, journalist for over 6 years, writing about important topics that are going on within the U.S. and beyond.

Sources:

ABC News: Iran may be activating sleeper cells outside the country, alert says

Los Angeles Times: Iran’s threats on U.S. soil: sleeper cells, lone wolves, cyberattacks and eerie numbers code

Featured Image Courtesy of Al Ma’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License

Inset Image Courtesy of Hamed Saber’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License