(SA) Ongoing Iran Conflict & Heightened Threat Environment MDA Advisory & Resources – 23 June 2025
Fellow InfraGard Louisiana Members,
(SA) In regards to the Ongoing Iran Conflict (Middle East Tensions) & The Heightened Threat Environment, please maintain a Heightened Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) for anything suspicious in and / or around Your Facility, and immediately report any unusual activity (Follow Your Facility Security Plan / FSP). Please See Below For Resources:
Important: “If It Looks Like A Duck & It Quacks Like A Duck, It’s Probably A Duck”
Note: If You’re Not An InfraGard (Louisiana) Member, I Would Highly Encourage You to Join InfraGard https://ic.infragard.org/ >Join (Free) Once The FBI Portal is Back Online.
The Department of Homeland Security issued NTAS Bulletin 508, June 22, 2025, The bulletin is in effect until September 22, 2025.
Below are key highlights relevant to our Area Maritime Security responsibilities:
- Heightened Threat Environment
“The ongoing Iran conflict is causing a heightened threat environment in the United States.”
- Cyber Risks & Network Attacks
“Low-level cyber attacks against US networks by pro‑Iranian hacktivists are likely, and cyber actors affiliated with the Iranian government may conduct attacks against US networks.”
- Risk of Extremist Violence
If Iranian leadership issues a religious ruling for retaliatory violence, “the likelihood of violent extremists in the Homeland independently mobilizing… would likely increase.”
- Anti‑Semitic, Anti‑Israel Motivated Threats
“Multiple recent Homeland terrorist attacks have been motivated by anti‑Semitic or anti‑Israel sentiment, and the ongoing Israel‑Iran conflict could contribute to US‑based individuals plotting additional attacks.”
Maritime Implications for AMSC:
1. Cybersecurity Protections – Ensure maritime systems, vessel networks, and infrastructure are hardened against phishing, ransomware, and other cyber intrusion.
2. Suspicious Activity Reporting – Encourage stakeholders to report unusual behavior around critical maritime assets.
3. Awareness of Hate‑Motivated Extremism – Remain vigilant to threats targeting vessels, terminals, or maritime personnel linked to Jewish, Israeli, or government‑affiliated entities.
Although no specific maritime threat has been identified, Bulletin 508 clearly signals an elevated, complex operational environment—stemming from geopolitical tension and cyber‑enabled risk. I encourage all AMSC members to review current security protocols and ensure readiness across relevant domains.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/ntas/alerts/25_0622_S1_NTAS-Bulletin-508.pdf
Roy J Ford
Port Security Specialist
U.S. Coast Guard Sector New Orleans
Emergency Management Force Readiness
