Ex-FBI Agent Urges Trump to Warn Iran Before 2026 World Cup Over Sleeper Cell Threat
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 14
Ex-FBI Agent Urges Trump to Warn Iran Before 2026 World Cup Over Sleeper Cell Threat
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 14
Jonathan Gilliam said Trump should publicly threaten severe retaliation against Iran before the June 11-July 19 World Cup, arguing sleeper cells already in the U.S. could be activated during the tournament.
Gilliam said Tehran responds to force, not diplomacy, and even suggested a demonstrative strike such as dropping a MOAB in an unpopulated area of Iran to signal consequences.
Trump had already said in March he was briefed on Iranian sleeper cells, blamed Biden-era border policies for their entry, and claimed U.S. authorities know where most of them are.
$625 million from Congress and nearly $900 million from FEMA are being used to secure the tournament, with the U.S. hosting 78 matches as part of the 2026 World Cup across North America.
The warning lands as U.S.-Iran talks appear to be fraying, adding geopolitical strain to security planning for one of the largest sporting events ever staged in the United States.
With over $1.5 billion spent on security, are World Cup attendees truly safe from state-sponsored threats?
Could a U.S. show of force against Iran provoke a World Cup attack instead of preventing one?