United States raises DEFCON level after Iran conflict heats up

Abbas Araghci

The U.S. strike on Iran was extremely effective. That has the Iranian regime furious.

That’s why the United States has raised the DEFCON level in preparation for something big.

United States Embassies & Cities On Red Alert Everywhere

Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump’s decisive military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities has thrust the United States into a heightened state of global vigilance, with U.S. embassies issuing urgent alerts and major cities bolstering security. The strikes, which obliterated key Iranian nuclear sites, mark a pivotal moment in Trump’s foreign policy, showcasing his commitment to American strength and deterrence.

On Monday, the U.S. embassy in Qatar instructed American citizens to “shelter in place until further notice,” citing an elevated threat to U.S. interests worldwide. The alert, described as a precautionary measure by embassy officials, follows a State Department warning of increased risks to Americans abroad. “The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East,” the embassy noted Sunday. “There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution.”

The Department of Homeland Security amplified concerns on Sunday, issuing a nationwide alert after U.S. forces bombed Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend. The strikes targeted Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, which Trump described as “an extraordinary military success.” In a late Saturday address, he declared that Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities were “completely and totally obliterated,” signaling a robust return of American military dominance.

Trump’s order to strike three critical Iranian nuclear targets is a part of his administration’s hardline stance against Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “The U.S. will go after more targets with precision, speed and skill,” Trump warned, promising that any Iranian retaliation would face overwhelming force. The operation, hailed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as a feat unmatched by any other nation, avoided targeting Iranian troops or civilians. “Many presidents have dreamed of delivering the final blow to Iran’s nuclear program and none could until President Trump,” Hegseth said, “showing the world that American deterrence is back.”

Major U.S. cities, including New York, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, are ramping up security in response to potential retaliatory attacks. New York City’s NYPD announced additional resources at religious, cultural, and diplomatic sites, stating, “We’re tracking the situation unfolding in Iran. Out of an abundance of caution, we’re deploying additional resources to religious, cultural, and diplomatic sites across NYC and coordinating with our federal partners.” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass echoed the sentiment, noting, “There are no known credible threats at this time and out of an abundance of caution, LAPD is stepping up patrols near places of worship, community gathering spaces and other sensitive sites.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a staunch Trump ally, praised the president’s “decisive action” and ordered heightened state law enforcement readiness. “As we unite as a Nation, we as a state must remain vigilant to secure our homeland,” Abbott said. He emphasized increased patrols around high-risk locations, assuring Texans, “At this time, there is no need to worry. We want to keep it that way. Texas stands with America’s Commander-in-Chief.”

The embassy in Qatar clarified that Monday’s shelter-in-place order was not tied to a specific threat but was issued “out of an abundance of caution,” according to Newsweek. This followed a Sunday advisory urging Americans to exercise increased caution amid regional tensions. The escalating conflict, fueled by Israel’s ongoing war with Iran, has disrupted travel and raised fears of anti-American demonstrations abroad.

Trump’s strikes come against the backdrop of rising terrorist threats, which surged under the Biden administration. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security warned in January of potential attacks targeting Americans, a concern now amplified by Iran’s vow to respond. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghci, criticized the U.S., stating, “I think they have proved that they are not men of diplomacy and that they only understand the language of threat and force, and this is very unfortunate.” He added, “President Trump was elected on a platform of putting an end to America’s costly involvement in foreign wars in our part of the world. He has betrayed not only Iran by abusing our commitment to diplomacy, but also deceived his own voters.”

Araghci revealed that Iranian officials were negotiating with the Trump administration when the strikes occurred, highlighting what he called a betrayal of diplomatic efforts. When pressed on Iran’s response, he remained vague, saying, “There are a variety of options open to us, and that’s it.” The ambiguity has heightened global unease, with U.S. authorities bracing for potential escalation.

Hegseth defended the operation’s precision, emphasizing Trump’s desire for peace. “President Trump seeks peace, and Iran should take that path,” he said. He noted the unparalleled capability of the U.S. military, stating, “When this president speaks, the world should listen. No other country on planet earth could have conducted the operation that [the U.S. military] did. Not even close.”

In Texas, Abbott’s proactive measures reflect a state-level commitment to national security. His administration is coordinating with federal partners to monitor threats, ensuring Texas remains a stronghold of safety. “We will defend our communities and support our troops,” Abbott declared, aligning with Trump’s vision of a fortified America.

Urban centers nationwide are on high alert, with law enforcement surging resources to protect religious and community sites. While no credible threats have been reported, the coordinated response reflects the gravity of the situation. Los Angeles and New York City, in particular, are prioritizing vigilance to safeguard their diverse populations.

Critics, however, point to the risks of escalation, citing Iran’s unpredictable response. The administration’s focus remains on deterrence, with Trump signaling readiness to counter any aggression swiftly. Trump’s leadership is front and center and faces a true test. His administration’s actions have reasserted American power, drawing a clear line against Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The world watches closely as the U.S. prepares for any fallout from the strike.