FBI Director Kash Patel fires agents from Iran counterintelligence unitfires agents from Iran counterintelligence unit amid heightened threats
FBI Director Kash Patel fired about a dozen agents and staff from a counterintelligence squad focused on Iranian threats last week. The dismissals occurred after Patel learned his phone records were subpoenaed in special counsel Jack Smith's probe into President Trump's handling of classified documents. Critics warn the move weakens U.S. monitoring of Iran at a time of elevated terrorism risks from the regime, which has plotted attacks on American soil.
Critics and Democrats
Lawmakers like Rep. Steve Cohen and Rep. Grace Meng grilled Patel over firing experienced agents handling Iran threats. They argue the dismissals devastate the FBI's Iran program by losing irreplaceable informants. This raises national security concerns amid Iran's vows of revenge and rising tensions.
FBI Official Response
The FBI maintains robust counterintelligence operations nationwide with a 35% increase in arrests last year. It highlights multiple foiled terrorism plots in December alone. Personnel matters remain internal, but capabilities stay strong.
- Iran's Revolutionary Guard has used Pakistani businessmen for U.S. hitman plots.
- FBI squad CI-12 relies on confidential informants in U.S. Iranian communities.
- Kash Patel's firings followed discovery of subpoenas on his and White House staff phone records.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
26 June, 09:35 PM
US launches strikes against Iran following commercial ship attack26 June, 04:47 PM
Trump calls Iran drone attack on cargo ship a ceasefire violation
