The FBI is putting counterterrorism teams on high alert amid the Iran operation

FBI Director Kash Patel said on Saturday that he has deployed the bureau’s counterterrorism and intelligence teams as US operations against Iran continue.

“Last night, I ordered our Counterterrorism and Intelligence team to remain vigilant and mobilize all necessary security assets,” Patel wrote to X. “Our JTTFs across the country are working 24/7, as usual, to deal with and disrupt any potential threats in the country.”

Patel added that while the US military is in charge of protecting forces overseas, the FBI is “still at the forefront of preventing attacks here at home” and will continue to work around the clock to protect the American people.

A police source said the change generally means the office will increase surveillance of key suspects, provide confidential sources and review intelligence gathering.

The tense situation follows continued US strikes on Iranian targets as tensions rise across the region.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said she is “working closely with our intelligence and law enforcement partners as we continue to carefully monitor and deter any potential threats to the country.”

This warning also comes at a time when the Department of Homeland Security is partially closed.

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Smoke billows over the city after the Israeli military launched a second wave of airstrikes against Iran in Tehran on February 28, 2026. (Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Jason Pack, FBI Supervisory Special Agent and Fox News contributor, said heightened vigilance is a common practice when US forces encounter adversaries who have responded with indirect or unusual retaliation.

“The intelligence and counterterrorism communities work on this type of situation continuously, before any conflict begins,” Pack said. “When the United States commits to a joint military campaign with Israel, the domestic crisis is not static. It can change, very likely.”

Pack said adversary actors — including Iran, Hezbollah, external networks of Hamas and proxies of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps — have historically shown both the intent and, in some cases, the ability to respond to U.S. military commitments.

Pack said such measures show a proactive stance.

“This is not working,” he said. “Continuous discipline built into the daily practice of understanding threats before they happen.”

Meanwhile, the US Secret Service said it was actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with federal and domestic partners. The agency said its security model is adapted to current security conditions and that the public can see increased law enforcement in protected areas.

In Washington, DC, the Metropolitan Police Department said it is closely monitoring events in Iran and coordinating with local, state and federal partners to protect citizens and visitors.

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The bombing occurred in Tehran, Iran, on Feb. 28, 2026. (Photos by Fatemeh Bahrami/Getty)

“Currently there are no known threats to DC,” said the Ministry. “We are willing to expand our presence as needed.”

Police urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.

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