Heightened

Three ideologically inspired attacks occurred in the past week: ISIS-inspired bombings at a New York City protest, a vehicle ramming at a Michigan synagogue by a Lebanese citizen, and a shooting at a Virginia university by a prior terrorism convict yelling 'Allahu akbar.' These incidents coincide with the US war against Iran, following strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, and FBI Director Kash Patel's firings of dozens of agents, including those on Iran and Trump document cases, straining counterterrorism resources. A Pakistani was convicted last week for 2024 assassination plots against Trump under Iranian Revolutionary Guard orders, while Justice Department seized domains used by Iran for dissident killings. The threats elevate national security risks as midterm elections approach, with cyber attacks like the one on Stryker adding to concerns.

A missile struck a helipad inside the US Embassy compound in Baghdad on March 13, 2026, according to two Iraqi security officials, prompting a Level 4 security alert renewal for US interests in Iraq. Iran-aligned militias have intensified rocket and drone attacks on the embassy and bases hosting US-coalition troops, following recent US strikes on Iran. The incident underscores rising risks to American personnel, coming a day after a drone strike in northern Iraq killed one French soldier and wounded others in the anti-ISIS coalition. US diplomats warn of potential continued targeting by Iran-backed groups amid the escalating regional conflict.