Ex-DHS Official: Iran Capable of U.S. Attacks via Cartels, Cyber Networks

John Cohen, former acting under-secretary for intelligence at the Department of Homeland Security, issued a stark warning in an ABC News interview aired April 16, 2026: Iran possesses the operational capabilities to conduct kinetic attacks inside the United States.[1][2] Speaking with anchor Linsey Davis, Cohen emphasized Iran's extensive network of military and intelligence operatives embedded across Mexico, Central America, and South America, bolstered by close partnerships with criminal organizations and Mexican drug cartels.[2] Intelligence reports have indicated exchanges of tradecraft and information between Iran and these groups on executing assaults, positioning them as potential proxies should Tehran deem retaliation proportional.[2] While no widespread physical attacks by Iranian operatives, proxies, or affiliated criminals have struck the U.S. to date, Cohen noted two early incidents tied to the ongoing conflict.[2] He affirmed the potential for such strikes remains high, given Iran's entrenched regional presence.[1][2] This assessment comes against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire, where cyber warfare persists unabated, underscoring Iran's multifaceted threat profile.[2] In the cyber domain, Iran commands a global hacker network, collaborating closely with Russia to target American vulnerabilities.[2] Recent assaults have hit state and local government systems, private sector firms—especially medical supply companies—and critical infrastructure including wastewater treatment, drinking water facilities, electrical grids, and financial institutions.[2] Cohen stressed that these information and communication systems remain squarely in Iran's crosshairs, even post-ceasefire.[1][2] The warnings amplify concerns over Iran's proxy warfare tactics, long a staple of its strategy to project power without direct confrontation. Cohen's insights draw from his tenure overseeing DHS intelligence during heightened global threats, lending weight to the alert as U.S. officials monitor for escalation. No specific plots were detailed in the interview, but the operational readiness described signals a persistent homeland security challenge.[1][2]