What DC Families Should Know About the U.S.–Iran Conflict and How to Stay Safe During War Time

Olivia Marie
Jun 22
4 min read

As tensions rise between the United States and Iran following a recent U.S. military strike, many of us here in Washington, DC are feeling understandably anxious. Living in the nation's capital brings a sense of pride—but also a very real awareness that we are often considered a symbolic and strategic target.

This post is meant to inform—not alarm—families in the DC area about the current geopolitical situation, what forms of retaliation are most likely from Iran or its allies, and most importantly, how you can prepare to keep your loved ones safe.

Why Washington, DC Could Be a Target

Washington, DC is home to key federal agencies, military command centers, foreign embassies, and political landmarks. While a direct missile attack on DC is extremely unlikely, the city remains a potential symbolic target for less conventional forms of retaliation.

Potential Symbolic Targets in Washington, DC

Terrorist or sabotage efforts would likely focus on sites that carry high political, cultural, or symbolic importance. These include:

The White House — The official residence and workplace of the U.S. President.
The U.S. Capitol Building — Where the U.S. Congress meets.
The Pentagon (nearby in Arlington, VA) — Headquarters of the Department of Defense.
Monuments and Memorials — Including the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and WWII Memorial.
Foreign Embassies — Especially those of allied countries or those involved in the conflict.
Federal Buildings and Courthouses — Such as the Department of Justice and FBI headquarters.
Public Transit Hubs — Metro stations like Union Station or major bus terminals.
Popular Tourist Areas — National Mall, Smithsonian Museums, and other crowded public spaces.

Awareness and vigilance around these areas can help authorities prevent or quickly respond to threats.

Who Are Iran’s Allies?

Iran has built a web of partnerships with both nations and non-state actors across the globe. Here are some of the key players:

Syria: Longtime military and political ally.
Russia & China: Strategic partners, though unlikely to act militarily on Iran’s behalf.
Iraq: Home to several Iranian-backed Shiite militias.
Lebanon (Hezbollah): Iran’s most powerful proxy, heavily armed and trained.
Yemen (Houthis): A rebel group supported by Iran with drone and missile capabilities.
Gaza (Hamas, Islamic Jihad): Supported by Iran in opposition to Israel.
Venezuela & North Korea: Political allies with shared anti-U.S. sentiment.

However, none of these allies—with the exception of Russia and China, who are unlikely to intervene—have the capability to launch missile strikes on the U.S. mainland.

Most Likely Retaliation Tactics

Rather than direct confrontation, Iran and its proxies are more likely to engage in asymmetric warfare—attacks or disruptions that target infrastructure, morale, or U.S. interests indirectly. Here’s what’s most plausible:

1. Cyberattacks

Iran has previously targeted U.S. banks, utilities, and government networks. Expect:

Potential disruptions to power, water, or communications
Data breaches or outages in hospitals, airports, or government systems

2. Terrorist Attacks or Sabotage

While rare and difficult, Iran could activate sympathizers or operatives to:

Conduct small-scale attacks (bombings, shootings)
Target symbolic or soft sites, including embassies or public events

3. Drone or UAV Threats

Although still emerging, drone-based attacks launched from nearby vessels or on U.S. soil are being studied by national security agencies as a growing concern.

4. Disinformation Campaigns

Expect to see confusing or divisive content circulating online. These campaigns can worsen public fear and spread misinformation, especially on social media.

How to Keep Your Family Safe

As parents, it’s natural to feel the weight of keeping our children safe in uncertain times. While there’s no reason to panic, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what I recommend:

Stay Informed with Credible Sources

Sign up for AlertDC for real-time emergency notifications: https://hsema.dc.gov/page/alertdc
Follow updates from CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency): https://www.cisa.gov

Build an Emergency Kit

Prepare for short-term disruptions to power, water, or communication. Your kit should include:

Non-perishable food and clean water for 3–7 days
Flashlights, batteries, first aid kit, and medications
Portable chargers, solar-powered radio, paper maps
Extra diapers, wipes, and baby food if you have little ones
Need a full checklist? I’ve created a printable checklist you can use to shop and prepare. You can download it in the "A Mother’s Guide to War-Time Readiness: The Ultimate Family Emergency Checklist" blog post, alternatively you can use the links in the blog post to take you directly to the items I purchased and start checking items off now.

Create a Family Communication Plan

Make sure your family knows:

Where to meet if separated
How to contact each other if phones are down
Who your out-of-state emergency contact is

Stay Home if Tensions Escalate

In the event of increased threats or public demonstrations:

Limit travel downtown and avoid government-heavy areas
Keep your gas tank at least half full
Make sure your phone is fully charged at all times

Practice Good Cyber Hygiene

Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication
Be wary of suspicious emails or text messages
Teach older children to recognize online disinformation

Final Thoughts

While Washington, DC remains a potential target for symbolic retaliation, there is no evidence of an immediate direct threat to civilians in the city. Still, staying aware, calm, and prepared can make a world of difference—not just logistically, but emotionally for you and your family.

Let’s lean into community, care for our kids, and model resilience during uncertain times. You’ve got this, mama.