Ted Cruz says the United States should prepare for Iranian sleeper cells and that the danger of terrorist attacks has “never been higher.” Americans have heard similar warnings before. In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, it later became clear that there were numerous intelligence failures, overlooked warnings, and investigative questions that were never fully resolved or examined in depth. Over the years, journalists, survivors, and investigators have pointed out that certain intelligence leads and foreign intelligence connections discussed early on were quietly dismissed or never pursued publicly. That history alone should make people cautious when politicians invoke imminent threats tied to geopolitical rivalries. Fear has often been used to shape public opinion in moments of crisis. Citizens should remember that and approach sweeping claims about national security threats with healthy skepticism.