American intelligence agencies are scrambling after intercepting what they believe is a secret Iranian order to activate hidden sleeper cells worldwide, just days following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. A confidential federal bulletin, circulated among US law enforcement, details encrypted radio transmissions detected shortly after Khameneis death in a US-Israeli airstrike on February 28. Security experts interpret these signals—relayed through multiple countries via old-school shortwave radio—as a potential go command for deep-cover operatives embedded abroad.

The transmissions avoided modern internet channels, a deliberate choice to evade cyber surveillance, mirroring tactics used by groups like Hezbollah in past operations. While no imminent plots have been pinpointed, officials are urging heightened vigilance for suspicious activities at key sites like embassies, transportation networks, and Jewish community centers. This comes amid a spiraling conflict now in its second week, with reports of over 1,300 civilian casualties in Iran. President Donald Trump confirmed the US is closely tracking Tehrans response as it navigates a power vacuum.

Sleeper cells linked to Irans IRGC have a track record of foiled plots, from Europe assassinations to disrupted schemes in the UK and Cyprus in recent years. German intelligence previously flagged risks of retaliatory strikes following Khameneis public threats. Recent arrests of suspected Iranian agents in Qatar and parts of Europe underscore the growing threat, prompting allies from the Middle East to North America to ramp up countermeasures.

The news has global ramifications, including for oil-dependent regions like South Asia. With Indias longstanding Chabahar port deal and energy imports from Iran, any escalation could jolt markets and prompt stricter travel warnings. As investigations continue, authorities worldwide remain on edge—this could signal isolated incidents or coordinated revenge attacks.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.