Security services in the US and their partner nations are on high alert as a mysterious, encrypted transmission intercepted by American intelligence may serve as the signal to activate Iranian sleeper cells worldwide. This signal, detected immediately after the confirmation of the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 28, 2026, has put police authorities from Texas to Toronto on alert.
The 'operational trigger' and the new tactic
According to a classified briefing for security and law enforcement agencies cited by ABC News, the transmission was not made via the internet or mobile telephony, but through a new station with international relay characteristics, utilizing radio frequencies and coded messages that require a specific decryption key. The purpose of the transmission is to provide instructions to Iranian agents already stationed in Western countries to proceed with retaliatory strikes. Although there is no specific threat to a particular location, the appearance of such signals immediately following the elimination of the Iranian leadership is considered an operational trigger.
Incidents causing concern
Already, over the past week, three incidents have been recorded that authorities are examining for potential links to the activation of such elements:
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Austin, Texas: An armed attack at a bar by a perpetrator carrying Iranian flag symbols and religious slogans.
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Toronto, Canada: A violent incident with Iranian overtones currently being investigated by counter-terrorism services.
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Oslo, Norway: An explosion outside the United States embassy.
Operational capabilities
The capabilities of Iranian "sleeper cells" in the West are not a science fiction scenario but a structured, decades-old strategy based on the "Homeland Option" doctrine. The recent activation via coded signals, following Khamenei’s death, brings to the surface a network with specific operational skills. These cells are not autonomous "lone wolves" but are controlled by two main pillars:
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Hezbollah Unit 910 (Shadow Unit): Considered the most dangerous, it consists of agents with dual citizenship and authentic Western passports who have lived "normal" lives for years. Their strength lies in their ability to move freely, rent storage units, and purchase materials without raising suspicion.
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Quds Force (IRGC): Specializes in recruiting individuals through religious and charitable institutions, as well as collaborating with international organized crime (e.g., drug cartels) to execute "death contracts."
Objectives
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Targeted Assassinations: Their primary capability is "human target packages." Plots to assassinate high-ranking officials (e.g., Bolton, Pompeo) as revenge for Soleimani have already been uncovered. They possess surveillance teams that map target movements for months.
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Strategic Sabotage: The ability to strike critical infrastructure, such as transport hubs (JFK-style airports, subways) and iconic monuments, aiming for "psychological shock."
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Use of "Dual-Use" Technology: Cells are trained in using commercial drones for attacks and manufacturing explosives from common materials (e.g., ammonium nitrate), avoiding detection by military-grade sensors.
The tactic of 'remote activation'
What makes these cells particularly effective is their complete compartmentalization through: Encrypted communications, namely the use of radio frequencies (like the one recently intercepted) and coded messages in "dead drops" or via dark web applications; and Pre-positioned Assets, meaning that weapons and funding are often already hidden in "safe houses" within Western cities, so the agent only needs the signal to act.
Warnings for Europe and 'death contracts'
Terrorism expert and former FBI official Matthew Levitt warned that the Iranian regime might respond with attacks and assassinations in Europe. He recalled a 2016 incident where a "sleeper cell" member admitted he would only take action in the US if it declared war on Iran—a condition that now exists. In London, expert Roger Macmillan stated that small-scale attacks by semi-trained fighters cannot be ruled out. "All it takes is sending someone 5,000 or 10,000 pounds and telling them 'go into that crowd and stab someone.' Nowadays, with £10,000, you can disappear."
Authorities on high alert: 'We must sleep with one eye open'
In Germany, authorities are increasing security measures at Jewish institutions, synagogues, and schools, viewing them as potential retaliation targets. Israeli Ambassador to Berlin, Ron Prosor, stated: "We must sleep with one eye open." In the US, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have placed counter-terrorism units on high alert. FBI Director Kash Patel mobilized national teams to monitor and thwart potential plots. The DHS issued a bulletin stating that Iran remains committed to targeting American government officials whom it deems responsible for the death of Qasem Soleimani in 2020.
Free action order – The 'legacy' of Khamenei’s death
Following the US-Israeli attacks and the death of Khamenei, analysts believe these cells have received a "Free Action" order. This means that if communication with Tehran is severed, the cells have pre-approved plans to automatically strike pre-selected targets. According to recent intelligence reports (March 2026), the number of individuals linked to such cells who have entered the US and Europe in recent years is estimated in the hundreds, many of whom have "integrated" fully into local societies.
The death of Ali Khamenei and the rise of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, to power (March 8, 2026), have created an explosive cocktail. The new leader, having lost his family in the bombings, is viewed by analysts as a "hardline" player who will not hesitate to use every available means—including sleeper cells—to strike the West. "If there was ever a time when a Hezbollah or Hamas cell could act violently within the US, it is now," stated Chris Swecker, former FBI Assistant Director. The likelihood of independent mobilization of violent extremists within the US and Europe is expected to surge if the Iranian leadership issues a religious decree (fatwa) calling for retaliation against targets in the West.
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