FBI has issued a warning regarding a possible Iranian drone attack on California in the wake of recent US strikes on Iran

The FBI has alerted California law enforcement that Iran may respond to U.S. strikes by deploying drones from vessels aimed at West Coast sites.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a warning to police departments throughout California, indicating that Iran may respond to US military strikes by deploying drones against targets on the West Coast, as detailed in an intelligence alert that has been examined.

An alert issued to law enforcement agencies at the end of February indicated that intelligence suggested Iran had contemplated executing a surprise drone attack from an unidentified vessel located off the coast of the United States.

“We have recently obtained information indicating that as of early February 2026, Iran purportedly aimed to execute a surprise attack utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles from an undisclosed vessel off the coast of the United States, particularly targeting unspecified locations in California,” the bulletin stated.

Officials stated that they do not have additional information regarding the timing, method, potential targets, or individuals involved in the purported operation.

The alert emerged as the Donald Trump administration escalated military operations against the Islamic Republic. Tehran has subsequently carried out drone strikes targeting various locations throughout the Middle East.

An official from senior US law enforcement informed ABC News that the intelligence concerning the possible drone threat surfaced prior to the strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran. Officials now believe that the 12-day bombardment has notably diminished Iran’s capacity to execute such an attack, particularly in light of the recent intelligence indicating a growing drone threat from both state and non-state actors in the region.

Officials from the FBI’s Los Angeles office chose not to comment on the alert, and the White House has not yet responded to requests for comment.

US intelligence agencies have expressed concerns in recent months about the growing use of drones by criminal groups in Mexico. A bulletin from September 2025 indicated that leaders of Mexican drug cartels had allegedly sanctioned possible drone attacks with explosives targeting American law enforcement and military personnel close to the United States–Mexico border.

Although the report characterized the attack as unprecedented, officials indicated that it still represented a plausible scenario, despite cartels typically steering clear of actions that might elicit a strong response from the US.

After issuing the warning, officials in California indicated that security agencies were closely collaborating. The office of Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the state’s emergency services are collaborating with local and federal agencies to protect communities.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has also confirmed that it has increased its state of preparedness.

The department stated that, considering recent global events, it has upheld a heightened state of alert and has intensified patrols around places of worship, cultural institutions, and other significant locations throughout the county.

Security officials have conducted a thorough review of deployment plans and have arranged for additional resources in case they become necessary.

John Cohen, a former intelligence chief at the US Department of Homeland Security, expressed that the increasing utilization of drones by both state actors and criminal organizations presents significant security issues.

“We are aware that Iran maintains a significant presence in Mexico and South America; they have established relationships, possess drones, and now have the motivation to carry out attacks,” Cohen stated, noting that alerts like the one from the FBI assist local authorities in preparing for potential threats.