A recent House Committee on Homeland Security hearing shed light on the persistent security threats posed by Iran and its terror proxies towards the United States. The hearing, titled 'Examining the Current Status of Iran’s Axis of Resistance and the Implications for Homeland Security and U.S. Interests,' featured discussions on various threats including assassination attempts, attacks on U.S. service members, disruption of trade, and coordination of terror operations.
Chairman Mark Green emphasized the escalating nature of these threats, citing plots targeting former U.S. officials, disruptions in maritime security, and coordination of terror activities in Europe and South America. The committee engaged with intelligence leaders to assess the extent of threats posed by Iran's proxy forces.
The witnesses at the hearing highlighted the extensive network of proxy organizations under 'Iran's Axis of Resistance,' including Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and other militia groups in Iraq and Syria. These groups receive substantial support from Iran in exchange for their actions.
The FBI expressed concerns about Hezbollah's potential to carry out attacks in the U.S., citing the group's history of anti-U.S. terrorist activities. Additionally, Iran-backed actors were noted for employing cyber-espionage tactics to target U.S. infrastructure.
Iran's transnational repression activities against dissidents were also highlighted, including assassination attempts, digital threats, and harassment. The ongoing efforts of Iran to advance plots against individuals in the U.S., particularly targeting current and former government officials, were underscored.
The hearing revealed specific instances of planned assassination attempts on U.S. soil, including plots against former officials and individuals critical of the Iranian regime. The FBI and other agencies continue to collaborate to safeguard American interests from these persistent threats.
