U.S. law enforcement agencies in California have been warned that Iran could attempt a retaliatory attack on the United States using drones launched from vessels off the West Coast, according to an alert circulated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The warning, which was sent to several police departments across California, indicates that Iranian operatives may have explored the possibility of carrying out a surprise drone strike against targets in the state if the United States launched military action against Iran.

According to the FBI alert, authorities received information suggesting that as early as February 2026, Iran allegedly aspired to conduct such an attack using unmanned aerial vehicles launched from an unidentified vessel positioned off the U.S. coastline. The alert said the potential targets in California were not specified.

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As reported by ABC News on March 11th, Officials noted that investigators currently lack further details about the timing, the exact method of attack, or who would carry it out. The intelligence shared with local authorities was described as preliminary.

The warning was circulated shortly before the Trump administration launched its ongoing military assault against Iran. Since the conflict began, Iran has carried out multiple drone strikes against targets across the Middle East as part of its response.

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An FBI spokesperson in Los Angeles declined to comment publicly on the alert when asked about the report.

The White House also did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the warning.

California officials say state is monitoring the threat

California Governor Gavin Newsom addressed the situation on Wednesday, confirming that state authorities are aware of the reported threat and are coordinating with federal agencies.

“As it relates to drone strikes, we’ve been aware of that information,” Newsom said during a press conference. “We’ve been working collaboratively through the state operations center.”

Newsom added that concerns about drones have been under discussion among security officials for some time.

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“Drone issues have always been top of mind, and we’ve assembled some work groups specifically around those concerns,” he said.

According to an Investing.com report, the governor’s office said the state’s Office of Emergency Services has been working closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to monitor the situation and strengthen preparedness.

Security agencies concerned about drone threats near the border

The FBI alert about Iran comes during an ongoing growing concern among U.S. intelligence officials about the expanding use of drones by criminal organizations and hostile actors.

Authorities have also been monitoring reports suggesting that Mexican drug cartels may be experimenting with explosive drones that could potentially be used against U.S. forces near the southern border.

A separate security bulletin circulated in September 2025 referenced an unconfirmed report claiming that unidentified cartel leaders had authorized attacks using drones carrying explosives against U.S. law enforcement and military personnel operating near the U.S.-Mexico border.

Officials noted that such an attack inside the United States would be unprecedented, but the scenario is considered plausible as drone technology becomes more accessible.