On Saturday 21 June 2025, the United States launched airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations. The Trump administration's decision to target Tehran's critical nuclear sites has sparked widespread fears of Iranian retaliation.
In light of the heightened threat, a former US Secret Service agent has warned Americans to prepare escape plans in case of terror attacks.
Ex-Secret Service Agent Issues Stark Warning
Robert McDonald, a veteran of the Secret Service with over two decades of experience in protective logistics, executive security and intelligence, is urging US citizens to remain vigilant. Now a criminal justice professor at the University of New Haven, McDonald said the possibility of retaliation is very real.
'Anything can happen at any time,' he told Fox News, referencing the potential for attacks on American soil or against US interests abroad. He specifically highlighted crowded public places—such as airports, train stations and bus terminals—as potential targets.
'Those are areas where people are coming and going. People are transient. Lots of people go there every day,' he explained.
McDonald added: 'You've got to be cognisant of your surroundings, be situationally aware and be able to get yourself out of a situation if something were to happen.'
Iran Vows Swift and Forceful Retaliation
The Iranian government has vowed to strike back following the US airstrikes on its nuclear sites in Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow. On Monday 23 June, Abdolrahim Mousavi, the newly appointed Chief of Staff of the Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces (IRIAF), released a statement condemning the attacks.
'The United States has violated Iran's sovereignty by bombing our nuclear facilities. By doing so, it has directly entered the war,' he said, according to Al Jazeera.
Mousavi warned that Iran's armed forces were prepared to respond without hesitation.
'The criminal US must know that, in addition to punishing its illegitimate and aggressive offspring, the hands of Islam's fighters within the armed forces have been freed to take any action against its interests and military. We will never back down in this regard,' he stated.
Iran Strikes Back: Missile Attack on US Base in Qatar
Shortly after the threat, Iran reportedly launched what it described as a 'powerful and destructive missile strike' on a US military base in Qatar. According to Al Jazeera, loud explosions were heard across Doha, sparking immediate concern.
However, Qatar's Ministry of Defence confirmed that its forces intercepted the missile attack successfully. No deaths or injuries have been reported as of this writing.
The missile strike is believed to be Iran's first major act of retaliation against the United States, following its deployment of B-2 bombers and cruise missiles in the region.
Global Tensions Escalate
The situation continues to evolve rapidly, with the potential for further escalation. Governments around the world are urging restraint, while military and intelligence officials in the US remain on high alert.
Security experts say the coming days will be critical, as both nations weigh their next moves in an increasingly volatile standoff that now threatens to spread across the region and beyond.
