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By Kate Plummer
Senior US News Reporter
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Cities in the United States are implementing new security measures to reflect growing tensions between America and Iran.
After the U.S. launched air strikes on Iranian three nuclear facilities over the weekend, some cities have bolstered its police presence, though they have maintained that these measures are cautious and not a statement of perceived threat.
Why It Matters
President Donald Trump on Saturday evening announced what he described as a "very successful attack" against three Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
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The president's decision to strike those facilities came after Israel and Iran have exchanged consistent strikes since June 13. Israel had urged the U.S. to target Iran's nuclear facilities, saying that Tehran was moving close to creating a nuclear weapon. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes—not for weapons.
With the U.S. now embroiling itself in the conflict, Iran has vowed to retaliate, accusing the U.S. of crossing "a very big line."
Iran could pursue nuclear talks or use diplomacy as a next step. However, it could also launch attacks on military targets in the Middle East or use economic or cyberattacks to disrupt the U.S.
What To Know
In New York City, the New York Police Department (NYPD) announced on X, formerly Twitter, that it was "deploying additional resources to religious, cultural and diplomatic sites" in the city "out of an abundance of caution."
On Sunday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams wrote on X that he and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch "convened our international liaisons for a briefing to discuss the situation in the Middle East and how it affects us here at home."
"Out of an abundance of caution, we have increased police presence at religious, cultural, and diplomatic sites throughout the five boroughs," he wrote. "We also continue to work with our state and federal partners to keep New Yorkers safe. I'm thinking of all the New York City families who may be affected by these developments, especially our large Persian community."
In Washington, D.C., the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) issued a similar statement, saying it was "actively coordinating with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to share information and monitor intelligence in order to help safeguard residents, businesses, and visitors in the District of Columbia."
The MPD added: "At this time, there are no known threats to the District. However, MPD has maintained an increased presence at religious institutions across the city. We continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and help keep our community safe. If you See Something, Say Something."
The department said for emergencies or immediate threats, people should call 911. To report suspicious activity, it added that people should contact MPD's Real Time Crime Center at 202-727-9099, text 50411, or submit a report online at iwatch.dc.gov.
In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass wrote on X that while there are "no known credible threats" the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) was "stepping up patrols near places of worship, community gathering spaces and other sensitive sites."
She added: "We will remain vigilant in protecting our communities."
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What People Are Saying
Julian Zelizer, a professor of political history at Princeton University, told Newsweek: "Given that one tool of Iranian warfare has been state sponsored terrorism, it makes sense to ramp up security as a precaution as this conflict unfolds."
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a statement, per BBC News: "The Americans must receive a response to their aggression."
He added: "We have always stated that we are ready to engage and negotiate within the framework of international law, but instead of accepting logic, the other side has demanded the surrender of the Iranian nation."
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday: "It's not politically correct to use the term, 'Regime Change,' but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!
In a Sunday morning press conference, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said: "The operation President Trump planned was bold and it was brilliant, showing the world that American deterrence is back when this president speaks, the world should listen and the U.S. military, we can back it up. The most powerful military the world has ever known. No other country on planet Earth could have conducted the operation that the chairman is going to outline this morning."
What Happens Next?
Whether Iran responds to the U.S. strikes remains to be seen. If the country does response, Trump said on Saturday that this would provoke fresh attacks from the U.S.
Meanwhile, the State Department has issued a "worldwide caution" alert for Americans traveling abroad, citing concerns about potential "demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad."
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