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The Iran Threat

The Iranian regime presents a threat from many angles: Cyber. Foreign intelligence. Terrorism.

Threats from the Iranian regime and its terrorist partners can reach across the globe. The FBI is committed to identifying and disrupting all Iranian intelligence and military operations that threaten American citizens or our nation's security and critical infrastructure.

The conduct charged shows how far Iranian actors are willing to go to silence critics, even attempting to assassinate a U.S. citizen on American soil. We are determined to safeguard the rights of all Americans from the oppressive reach of hostile regimes.

FBI Director Christopher Wray

Working with our intelligence and law enforcement partners worldwide, the FBI has countered a diverse set of threats directed by the Iranian regime, including attempted terrorist attacks and kidnappings, espionage and foreign influence operations, cyber attacks, sanctions evasion, and illicit procurement of sensitive technology to support Iran’s military capability and nuclear program.

The Iranian regime has used repressive tactics in its wrongful detention of Americans in Iran on unsubstantiated criminal charges. The Iranian regime has also exported its repression through its harassment and lethal targeting of Iranian dissidents worldwide, including Americans living in the United States.

The FBI will continue to work diligently to thwart Iran’s violent agenda and use all available authorities to investigate criminal actions directed by the Iranian regime and its terrorist partners like Lebanese Hizballah, including any threats to current or former U.S. officials.

Featured News and Stories 

Justice Department Announces Charges and New Arrest in Connection with Assassination Plot Directed from Iran

A federal court in New York unsealed murder-for-hire and money laundering charges against three members of an Eastern European criminal organization for plotting the murder of a U.S. citizen.

Three Iranian Nationals Charged with Computer Intrusions and Ransomware-Style Extortion Against U.S. Infrastructure 

The defendants are charged with targeting a broad range of organizations, including small businesses, government agencies, nonprofit programs and educational and religious institutions.

Member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Charged with Plot to Murder the Former National Security Advisor

An Iranian national and member of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was charged by complaint with use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire and with providing and attempting to provide material support to a transnational murder plot.

Iran at Center of Cyber Crime Charges in Three Cases

Criminal charges announced against multiple alleged hackers in Iran show the breadth of the cyber threat emanating from that country and the FBI and partner agency efforts to neutralize it and hold the individuals accountable.

Department of Defense Linguist Sentenced to 23 Years

In June 2021, Mariam Thompson was sentenced to 23 years in prison for delivering classified national defense information to aid a foreign government.

Seeking Missing Retired FBI Agent Robert Levinson

The FBI continues to investigate the disappearance of Robert A. Levinson since he went missing on Kish Island, Iran, on March 9, 2007.

Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Conspiring with Iranian Officials to Assassinate a Diplomat in Washington, D.C.

In 2011, Manssor Arbabsiar and his Iran-based co-conspirators plotted the murder of the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the U.S. Arbabsiar admitted he was recruited, funded, and directed by men he understood to be senior officials in Iran’s Qods Force.

 Industry Alerts

Industry alerts illustrate the threat Iran poses to our nation’s safety and security in a digitally connected world. Material is intended for industry professionals and subject matter experts.

Transnational Repression

Transnational Repression

Some countries’ governments harass and intimidate their own citizens living in the U.S. This can violate U.S. law and individual rights and freedoms.

From Our Government Partners 

See more on the U.S. government's response to threats from Iran.

Department of Justice

Department of State

Department of Treasury

Department of Commerce

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (DHS)

In the News 

Stories, speeches, testimony, and press releases that highlight the threat Iran poses to our economic and national security.

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Wanted by the FBI 

These fugitives are wanted for a variety of crimes committed against Americans and U.S. interests, some of which occurred on behalf of Iran and proxies and partners, like Hizballah.