The Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), George Tenet, stated that terrorists may launch attacks on U.S. soil and in the Arabian Peninsula as early as this week. During a Senate hearing on Tuesday, Tenet mentioned that Al-Qaeda might use radioactive weapons, known as 'dirty bombs,' as well as toxic and chemical materials. He indicated that Al-Qaeda's plots could coincide with the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage. Robert Mueller, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), warned that the greatest threat comes from dormant cells residing in the U.S. whose identities remain unknown. Last Monday, U.S. officials advised Americans to stock up on food and supplies for three days in case of a crisis.
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Director of U.S. Security: Terrorists May Attack Soon - 2003-02-12
Feb 11, 2026
February 11, 2026
1 min read
📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway
George Tenet, the CIA Director, warned that Al-Qaeda may be planning imminent attacks in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, potentially using radioactive and chemical weapons. FBI Director Robert Mueller highlighted the threat from unidentified dormant terrorist cells within the U.S., prompting officials to recommend that citizens prepare emergency supplies.
🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line:
The imminent threat of Al-Qaeda attacks raises significant concerns for U.S. national security and regional stability.
👥 Key Players
George Tenet
MENTIONED
Director of the CIA
"As the head of the CIA, Tenet plays a crucial role in U.S. national security and intelligence, particularly regarding threats from terrorist organizations like Al-Qaeda."
Robert Mueller
MENTIONED
Director of the FBI
"Mueller's position as FBI Director places him at the forefront of domestic counterterrorism efforts, making his warnings about threats from sleeper cells significant for national security."
Al-Qaeda
MENTIONED
Terrorist organization
"Al-Qaeda is a key player in global terrorism, and its potential actions directly impact U.S. security policies and international relations."
📰 What Happened
George Tenet, the CIA Director, warned during a Senate hearing that Al-Qaeda may be planning imminent attacks in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, potentially using dirty bombs and other chemical weapons. FBI Director Robert Mueller emphasized the threat from unidentified terrorist cells within the U.S.
- Tenet indicated that attacks could coincide with the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage.
- U.S. officials recommended that citizens prepare emergency supplies for potential crises.
💡 Why It Matters
🇮🇷 For Iran: This situation could impact Iran's internal security policies and its stance on terrorism, as it seeks to position itself as a regional power.
🌍 Regional: Increased tensions in the region could lead to heightened security measures and potential conflicts involving Iran and its neighbors.
🌐 International: The warnings may lead to increased military and intelligence cooperation among Western nations to counter terrorism, affecting Iran's geopolitical strategies.
📚 Background
Following the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. has been on high alert for terrorist threats, particularly from Al-Qaeda, which has been known to target both U.S. interests and allies in the Middle East.
Counterterrorism
U.S.-Middle East relations
📡 Source:
NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence:
70%
The information comes from official government sources, which are generally considered reliable but may reflect the administration's security priorities.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%
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