US Warned of Potential Iranian Terror Attacks With 'Thousands' of Sleeper Cells

Retired TOPGUN pilot says Americans are vulnerable to Iranian retaliation after US killed its supreme leader

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:42pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A retired US Navy fighter pilot warned that Iran could attack Americans with 'thousands' of sleeper cells hiding across the country, along with innovative drone assaults. The warning comes after the FBI issued a notice to California law enforcement that Iran could be plotting a drone attack on the state in retaliation for the US-Israeli attack that killed Iran's supreme leader.

Why it matters

This warning highlights the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, and the potential threat of Iranian-backed terrorism within the US homeland. It raises concerns about border security and the ability of Iranian agents to infiltrate the country, as well as the vulnerability of soft targets like malls, churches, and schools to drone attacks.

The details

According to the retired TOPGUN pilot Matthew 'Whiz' Buckley, there are likely 'thousands, if not tens of thousands of Iranian agents and sleeper cells' already in the US, some of whom may have crossed the southern border. Buckley warned that these agents could be waiting for orders to strike, and that they could use drones to attack vulnerable targets like airports and airliners. The White House has disputed the threat, but Buckley said the US should not underestimate its enemy.

  • In late February 2026, the FBI issued a notice to California law enforcement that Iran could be plotting a drone attack on the state in retaliation for the US-Israeli attack on Tehran.

The players

Matthew 'Whiz' Buckley

A retired Navy fighter pilot from the elite TOPGUN program who is warning about the threat of Iranian sleeper cells and drone attacks in the US.

Kash Patel

The director of the FBI, who is reportedly keeping a close eye on potential terror threats from Iran.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The former supreme leader of Iran, who was killed in the US-Israeli attack that has sparked threats of retaliation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's not a matter of if — it's a matter of when.”

— Matthew 'Whiz' Buckley, Retired Navy fighter pilot

“There is probably thousands, if not tens of thousands of Iranian agents and sleeper cells in this country.”

— Matthew 'Whiz' Buckley, Retired Navy fighter pilot

“If I were [Iran], I'd be hitting us in our homeland, to bring the pain home to us. You never want to underestimate your enemy.”

— Matthew 'Whiz' Buckley, Retired Navy fighter pilot

What’s next

US intelligence agencies and law enforcement are closely monitoring potential threats from Iranian sleeper cells and drone attacks, and reviewing security vulnerabilities to prevent future attacks.

The takeaway

This warning highlights the ongoing threat of Iranian-backed terrorism within the US, and the need for vigilance and preparedness to protect against potential attacks on soft targets across the country.