Iran's Potential Activation of Sleeper Cells Amid Ongoing Conflict

The United States has intercepted encrypted communications believed to originate from Iran, suggesting the potential activation of sleeper cells outside the country. This information comes from a federal government alert sent to law enforcement agencies, which indicates that the transmissions may serve as an "operational trigger" for covert operatives. The alert, reviewed by ABC News, cites "preliminary signals analysis" of a transmission relayed across multiple countries shortly after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, 2026, during a U.S.-Israeli attack. While the alert does not specify an operational threat tied to a particular location, it urges increased monitoring of suspicious radio-frequency activity.

Iran may be activating sleeper cells outside the country, alert says(The) Atlantic

On the same day that hostilities escalated, a mysterious numbers station began broadcasting in Farsi, reading seemingly random numbers. This method, reminiscent of Cold War-era spycraft, is believed to be a secure means of communication for covert operatives. The use of such a station raises questions about Iran's strategic communications amid ongoing military conflict. Experts suggest that the Iranian government may be reverting to traditional methods of communication as it faces technologically superior adversaries.

(The) Atlantic

Iran has a history of employing unconventional tactics, including attempts to kidnap or assassinate foreign officials and cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. Recent reports indicate that Iranian agents have plotted attacks against various targets, including former U.S. officials and political rallies in Europe. As the conflict intensifies, U.S. and European officials are bracing for a potential increase in such activities, viewing them as a means for Iran to retaliate against perceived threats.

(The) AtlanticIran may be activating sleeper cells outside the country, alert says

Despite the ongoing military campaign against Iran, experts caution that the regime retains the ability to inflict damage beyond its borders. Analysts have noted that Iran's response to the current conflict has been relatively muted, raising questions about its strategic choices. Some speculate that Iran may be holding back its capabilities for a more significant phase of conflict, while others suggest that its military and intelligence operations may have been degraded by initial attacks.

(The) Atlantic

The situation remains fluid, with conflicting reports about the effectiveness of Iranian operations and the potential for future attacks. While some analysts believe that Iran's capabilities have been significantly impacted, others argue that the regime is simply biding its time, waiting for the right moment to unleash its asymmetric warfare tactics. The ambiguity surrounding the numbers station and its purpose adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict.

(The) Atlantic

• “While the exact contents of these transmissions cannot currently be determined, the sudden appearance of a new station with international rebroadcast characteristics warrants heightened situational awareness,” — U.S. Government Alert

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

• “The Iranian response thus far has been fairly muted,” — Adam Meyers, Executive at CrowdStrike

(The) Atlantic

• “Iran has a lot of potential to cause mayhem, so why hasn’t it?” — Nate Swanson, Former State Department Official

(The) Atlantic

As the conflict evolves, the international community remains vigilant, monitoring Iran's actions and the implications of its potential sleeper cell activation.

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