Security Updates
NJOHSP Monitoring Escalating Tensions Following US-Israel Strikes on Iran
Following recent military operations conducted against targets inside Iran, NJOHSP is monitoring the potential for retaliatory threats and related activity that could impact New Jersey. Heightened geopolitical conflict in the Middle East has historically increased the likelihood of threat reporting, particularly involving ideologically motivated extremists or individuals inspired through international events.
U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted Iranian military facilities, critical infrastructure, and elements of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, prompting Iran and supporting proxy groups, such as Hizballah, to launch retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Middle East. The expanding conflict is raising global security concerns and increasing the risk that individuals or networks aligned with Iranian interests or anti-U.S. ideologies could carry out sympathetic or retaliatory activity.
Recent events in the U.S. further underscore the persistent vulnerability of soft targets—locations where large numbers of individuals gather but security measures may be limited. On March 7, authorities arrested two individuals after they allegedly threw improvised explosive devices (IEDs) into a crowd during protests near Gracie Mansion in New York City. The incident, which federal authorities said was ISIS-inspired, occurred during an anti-Islam demonstration outside the mayor's residence and involved IEDs containing explosive materials and shrapnel intended to cause mass casualties. Although the devices failed to detonate and no injuries were reported, the attack highlights how demonstrations and publicly accessible venues remain attractive targets for violent extremists seeking to maximize visibility and impact.
In past crises involving Iran, threat actors have responded through a range of tactics, including online threats against government officials, attempted attacks on government facilities, cyber operations targeting critical infrastructure, and plots against Jewish- or Israeli-affiliated institutions abroad. U.S. federal agencies have also previously disrupted Iranian-linked or inspired plots targeting current and former U.S. officials.
Other recent domestic incidents further highlight how international conflicts may inspire individuals in the U.S. to carry out acts of violence. On March 1, a Senegal-born naturalized U.S. citizen targeted a beer garden in Austin, Texas, after circling the location several times before opening fire on patrons from his vehicle. He later exited the vehicle and continued shooting. Law enforcement fatally shot him on scene, but not before he killed three individuals and wounded 14 others. During the attack, he was wearing a "property of Allah" hoodie and an Iranian flag T-shirt. He also had displayed pro-Iranian rhetoric on social media, according to open-source reporting. While details remain under investigation, the incident underscores the potential for global events to motivate violence domestically and reinforces the importance of maintaining vigilance at the state and local levels.
NJOHSP remains mindful of the potential impact on New Jersey's diverse interfaith communities. Periods of heightened geopolitical tension can increase the risk of harassment, intimidation, or violence targeting individuals perceived to be connected to the conflict. NJOHSP continues to work closely with community leaders and law enforcement partners to support the safety and security of Jewish, Muslim, Middle Eastern, and other faith and cultural communities throughout the state.
For additional details on Iranian threats, refer to NJOHSP's 2026 Threat Assessment.
NJCCIC Monitoring Cyber Activity in NJ Amid US-Israel-Iran Developments
 The ongoing U.S.-Israel military operations against Iran represent a significant escalation in hostilities that carries substantial cyber risk for U.S. public- and private-sector organizations. The New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) has been monitoring the activity of various state-sponsored and hacktivist threat actor groups aligned with Iran. The NJCCIC assesses that U.S. public- and private-sector cyber assets, including those in New Jersey, face a heightened risk of cyberattacks.
While no specific or credible threat to New Jersey's public- and private-sector cyber assets has been identified at this time, constant monitoring and heightened vigilance are required.
The NJCCIC will continue to monitor the situation and will produce subsequent situational reports as warranted if changes in attack vectors, targets, or impacts occur, especially those related to New Jersey and the U.S.
For more information, visit the NJCCIC website.
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