Iran has made a direct threat to the United States that it may activate "sleeper terrorist cells" on American soil in the event of an attack on its nuclear facilities, NBC News reports, citing informed sources in the US administration.
According to the information, the message was personally delivered to President Donald Trump through an intermediary during the G-7 summit in Canada, held less than a week ago. This happened just days before the US launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, actions that led to a new escalation in the Middle East.
The statement from Tehran also contained other threats, including possible cyberattacks on key networks in the US and assassinations of current and former US officials, who, according to Iranian authorities, are responsible for the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani in 2020.
The White House has so far declined to comment, and Iran's mission to the UN has refused to confirm or deny the information.
Analysts say that if the NBC data is confirmed, this would be one of the boldest diplomatic moves by Tehran, with a direct threat to the security of American territory. According to experts, such a statement not only complicates attempts at de-escalation, but could be used by the Trump administration to justify future strikes and sanctions.