Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officials have alerted police departments across California to a potential retaliatory drone strike from Iran. This warning comes in the wake of U.S. military operations targeting the Islamic Republic.
The intelligence alert, circulated to law enforcement at the close of February, indicated that Iran had contemplated executing a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles. The hypothetical attack, according to the alert, would originate from an unidentified vessel positioned off the United States coast, with potential targets located in California.
"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," stated the bulletin.
Authorities have noted that specific details concerning the timing, methodology, intended targets, or responsible parties for this alleged operation are currently unavailable.
This advisory emerged as the Trump administration escalated military engagement with Iran. In response, Tehran has carried out drone attacks against various targets throughout the Middle East.
A senior U.S. law enforcement official informed ABC News that the intelligence concerning the potential drone threat was received prior to the U.S. and Israeli forces launching strikes against Iran. Current assessments suggest that the subsequent 12-day bombardment has substantially diminished Iran's capacity to conduct such an offensive.
Representatives from the FBI's Los Angeles field office declined to comment on the alert, and the White House has not yet provided a statement.
Concerns regarding the increasing utilization of drones by both state actors and criminal organizations have been highlighted by U.S. intelligence agencies in recent months. A bulletin from September 2025 had previously cautioned that leaders of Mexican drug cartels had purportedly authorized the possibility of using explosive-laden drones to attack U.S. law enforcement and military personnel near the U.S.-Mexico border.
Although this type of attack was described as unprecedented, officials maintained that it remains a plausible scenario, notwithstanding the cartels' general avoidance of actions that could provoke a strong U.S. reaction.
In California, authorities confirmed that security agencies are engaged in close coordination following the FBI's warning. The office of Governor Gavin Newsom stated that the state's emergency services are collaborating with local and federal counterparts to ensure the safety of communities.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department also verified an increase in its readiness posture.
"In light of current global events," the department issued a statement indicating it has maintained an elevated alert status and augmented patrols around places of worship, cultural institutions, and other significant locations across the county.
Security officials have also reviewed deployment strategies and prepared contingency plans, making additional resources available if necessary.
John Cohen, formerly an intelligence chief at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, commented on the escalating security challenges posed by the widespread use of drones by various entities.
"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 remarked, emphasizing that alerts like the one from the FBI are crucial for enabling local authorities to prepare for evolving threats.
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