As the U.S. becomes directly involved in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, a growing number of Americans are expressing anxiety over the possibility of violence on American soil. From major transportation hubs to national landmarks, concerns are mounting about the potential for retaliation by Iran or sympathizers within the United States.
Public Anxiety Rises in Major Cities
In New York City’s Penn Station, Catherine Wagoner, a kindergarten teacher from Boston, shared her unease with USA TODAY, describing travel in large cities as more stressful since the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend.
“Being in New York feels more of a threat — more of a target,” Wagoner said. “I definitely have a lot of privilege, and I don’t feel like I’m necessarily the target, but I just have a constant state of anxiety about the state of the world.”
She’s not alone. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 79% of 1,139 surveyed U.S. adults were concerned that Iran may retaliate against U.S. civilians. The worry stems from fears that Iran or affiliated actors might attempt cyber or terrorist attacks following the U.S. military strikes.
Security Heightened, But No Specific Threats
Law enforcement agencies across the country have responded by increasing their presence at religious sites, transportation centers, and public venues. A bulletin from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cited an “elevated threat environment” and warned of the risk of violent extremists acting independently if provoked by Iran’s leadership. The advisory remains active through September.
- In New York, Mayor Eric Adams said law enforcement has been deployed to cultural, religious, and diplomatic sites in collaboration with federal partners.
- Washington D.C. police confirmed enhanced patrols around religious institutions and major landmarks.
- In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass also announced a heightened security posture following the U.S. strikes on Iran.
Despite the increased vigilance, federal officials have stated that no credible or specific threats have been identified within the U.S. directly tied to the conflict.
Mixed Reactions From the Public
While some remain fearful, others are taking a more measured view. At Penn Station, Dolores Broward, 29, voiced anxiety about traveling during such volatile times. “I’ve never been on a train, but I’ll be damned if I go on an airplane. That’s scary,” she said.
In Washington D.C., Cindy Pramann, 59, visiting for a conference, said the possibility of a retaliatory attack is “definitely” on her mind. “D.C. would be a target,” she said, recalling the similar anxiety she felt in the wake of 9/11.
Others referenced recent politically motivated attacks, which have added to their sense of unease. In recent months:
- A man posing as a police officer shot and killed Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband.
- In Colorado, a man used a flamethrower and Molotov cocktails to attack a group supporting Israeli hostages, injuring over a dozen people.
- Two Israeli embassy staff members were killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington.
Ron Mahoney, who was visiting D.C. with his son from Albany, New York, said he’s been thinking about potential attacks by Iranian sympathizers. “There could be retaliation here. I feel like it’s on everybody’s mind,” he said.
Sleeper Cells and Political Rhetoric
Amid public concern, President Donald Trump suggested on June 25 that Iranian sleeper cells may have entered the U.S. during the previous administration. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump claimed individuals “from Iran” crossed the border illegally and could be a future threat — echoing similar concerns raised by Vice President JD Vance in recent media appearances.
The DHS bulletin echoed this theme, warning of the possibility that extremists could be “independently mobilized to violence” if prompted by Iranian leadership.
Some Americans Say Threat Is Overblown
Not everyone shares these fears. Gabriella Stevens, a 23-year-old environmental consultant traveling from New York to D.C., said she’s not particularly worried. “There’s always a risk,” she said. “But I don’t feel concerned about traveling here.”
Stevens believes any Iranian retaliation is more likely to target U.S. military bases abroad, not civilians at home — at least in the short term.
Similarly, Erin Palmer, a longtime D.C. resident, said her concerns focus more on domestic gun violence than foreign terrorism. “I think more about shootings here in the city than Iran,” she said. “If it happens, it happens — but it’s unlikely.”
Outlook Remains Uncertain
On Tuesday, President Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, though it’s unclear how long the truce will hold. Iran’s retaliatory strike on a U.S. base in Qatar caused minimal damage and no casualties, but tensions remain high.
As the situation evolves, law enforcement continues to monitor for any domestic security threats, and Americans — some anxious, some unfazed — remain cautiously alert amid growing uncertainty.
