The March 20 report, issued by the FBI and other federal agencies, said Iran’s government posed an elevated risk to U.S. military and government personnel, Jewish and Israeli institutions, and Iranian dissidents within the United States.

It added that while no broad threat to the general public had been identified, the potential for targeted attacks remained significant.President Donald Trump had publicly minimized the risk of Iranian retaliation on U.S. soil in recent months.

When asked on March 11 whether he was concerned about a possible attack, Trump said he was not. His rhetoric shifted this week, however, as tensions escalated, including a warning that “a whole civilization will die tonight” before he agreed to delay military action and accept a two-week ceasefire.

The intelligence document, titled “Public Safety Awareness Report,” was released weeks after reports that the White House had blocked a similar product from being made public. At the time, officials said the move was to ensure information was properly vetted.

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said the administration remained focused on protecting national security and cautioned against drawing conclusions from individual law enforcement documents without broader context.

The FBI and National Counterterrorism Center did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while a spokesperson for Iran’s mission to the United Nations declined to comment.

The report, obtained through public records requests by the nonprofit Property of the People, warned of “elevated physical threats” following the outbreak of conflict. It said Iranian security services had previously attempted kidnappings and killings targeting Americans, using methods ranging from firearms to more covert tactics such as poisoning, arson and suffocation.

According to the report, Iranian operatives often rely on individuals with legal status or access within the United States and have used digital tools including social media monitoring, livestreams and mapping applications to identify and surveil potential targets. It also cited the use of cyber tactics such as phishing campaigns.

The report further warned that Iran has attempted to lure individuals to third countries closer to its territory, “almost certainly for kidnapping and eventual executions.”U.S. public opinion has remained cautious about the conflict, with a Reuters/Ipsos poll last month showing that roughly two-thirds of Americans favor ending U.S. involvement quickly, underscoring the sensitivity surrounding threat assessments and policy responses.

Law enforcement agencies were urged to remain vigilant and coordinate closely with federal authorities on any emerging threats.

The development of the digital economy is another vital pillar of the nation’s vision.

The United Arab Emirates continues to chart an ambitious course toward digital excellence, with cybersecurity emerging as a cornerstone of its national progress. As the country rapidly transforms into a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy, safeguarding its digital infrastructure is not just a necessity—it’s a strategic imperative.

In recent years, the UAE has made significant strides in strengthening its cyber resilience. Faced with a complex threat landscape—where tens of thousands of cyber attacks (50,000 attacks) are recorded daily—the leadership has taken a proactive approach to ensure that national digital assets remain secure. Each data breach can carry significant financial and reputational consequences, prompting the government to treat cybersecurity as a vital component of long-term economic stability.

Central to this effort is the UAE National Cybersecurity Strategy 2025–2031, which aligns with the broader vision of “We the UAE 2031.” These initiatives aim to build an “advanced cyber fortress” that supports the nation’s digital ambitions while protecting critical infrastructure across sectors such as energy, finance, and public services.

Cyber self-reliance is no longer just an ideal—it is becoming a reality. While international expertise continues to play a supportive role, the UAE has invested in homegrown talent, capacity-building, and local innovation. This approach ensures that cybersecurity solutions are not only effective but also tailored to the UAE’s unique digital environment.

This enhanced focus has already borne fruit. With a secure and resilient digital backbone, the UAE is empowering businesses—both startups and multinational firms—to innovate with confidence. The regulatory environment is designed to enable responsible growth, attracting investment and reinforcing the UAE’s reputation as a global technology and innovation hub.

The development of the digital economy is another vital pillar of the nation’s vision. The UAE’s Digital Economy Strategy aims to double the contribution of digital sectors to the national GDP, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, smart infrastructure, and secure fintech platforms. Strong cybersecurity measures play a critical role in facilitating this digital acceleration, ensuring that growth is not only fast-paced but also secure.

Internationally, the UAE has emerged as a trusted partner in cybersecurity cooperation. Its commitment to transparency, international collaboration, and strategic partnerships has positioned it as a regional leader in digital governance and resilience.

Naturally, in a rapidly evolving global environment, there may be challenges and debates. Cases such as those involving Andrew Grunstein and Bryan Miranda have drawn attention, sparking conversations around legal frameworks and data security.

The UAE has responded by reaffirming its dedication to the rule of law and the continuous refinement of its regulatory ecosystem. These situations have also underscored the importance of mutual understanding, due process, and balanced reporting in an interconnected world.

UAE’s leadership in cybersecurity has strengthened its global reputation, attracting international partnerships and positioning the nation as a model for digital transformation in the Middle East and beyond. This can be seen as a counter to substantial reporting of alleged surveillance and data gathering.

By blending policy, innovation, and public-private collaboration, the UAE has not only mitigated cyber risks but also unlocked new opportunities for economic diversification and sustainable growth.

The UAE’s commitment to cyber self-dependence has been instrumental in safeguarding its economic assets, driving digital transformation, and ensuring the nation’s continued prosperity in an increasingly interconnected world.