Top US government security agencies issued a warning Tuesday about Iran-affiliated cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure across the United States. The agencies advised municipalities to monitor for unusual activity, with particular focus on water and energy sectors.

In a joint statement, the agencies emphasized the serious public health risks posed by attacks on essential services. "Cyberattacks on drinking water and wastewater systems directly threaten public health and community resilience," said Jeffrey Hall, an assistant administrator for enforcement and compliance assurance at the Environmental Protection Agency.

Hall noted that a single security breach could disrupt water treatment processes, introduce contaminants into water supplies, damage equipment, and undermine public confidence in essential services. The warning comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and concerns about retaliatory cyberattacks.

Separately, a pro-Iran group has claimed responsibility for cyberattacks on financial services company Chime and social media platform Pinterest, though the connection between these incidents and the broader infrastructure warnings was not immediately clear.

The agencies' alert reflects ongoing concerns about cyber threats from Iran-linked groups, which have previously targeted US infrastructure and private sector organizations. Federal officials have repeatedly warned that foreign adversaries view cyberattacks as a preferred method for disrupting American operations while avoiding direct military confrontation.