The Federal Bureau of Investigation has warned police departments across California that Iran could retaliate for US military strikes by launching drones at targets along the West Coast, according to an intelligence alert reviewed.
The alert, distributed to law enforcement agencies at the end of February, said intelligence indicated that Iran had considered conducting a surprise drone attack from an unidentified vessel positioned off the coast of the United States.
“We recently acquired information that as of early February 2026, Iran allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United States homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California,” the bulletin said.
Authorities added that they have no further details about the timing, method, potential targets or perpetrators of the alleged operation.
The warning surfaced as the administration of Donald Trump intensified military action against the Islamic Republic. Tehran has since responded with drone strikes against targets across the Middle East.
A senior US law enforcement official told ABC News that the intelligence regarding the potential drone threat emerged before the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran. Officials now believe that the 12-day bombardment significantly degraded Iran’s ability to carry out such an attack.
Officials from the FBI’s Los Angeles office declined to comment on the alert, while the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
US intelligence agencies have also raised concerns in recent months about the growing use of drones by Mexican criminal groups. A September 2025 bulletin reviewed warned that leaders of Mexican drug cartels had reportedly authorised potential attacks using drones carrying explosives against American law enforcement and military personnel near the United States–Mexico border.
While the report described such an attack as unprecedented, officials said it remained a plausible scenario even though cartels generally avoid actions that could provoke a strong US response.
In California, authorities said security agencies were coordinating closely following the warning. The office of Governor Gavin Newsom said the state’s emergency services were working with local and federal agencies to safeguard communities.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department also confirmed it had heightened its readiness.
“In light of current global events,” the department said it has maintained an elevated level of alert and increased patrols around places of worship, cultural institutions and other prominent sites across the county.
Security officials have also reviewed deployment plans and prepared additional resources should they be needed.
John Cohen, a former intelligence chief at the US Department of Homeland Security, said the growing use of drones by both state actors and criminal groups raises serious security concerns.
“We know Iran has an extensive presence in Mexico and South America, they have relationships, they have the drones and now they have the incentive to conduct attacks,” Cohen said, adding that warnings such as the FBI alert help local authorities prepare for emerging threats.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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