FBI Warns Of Potential Iran-Linked Drone Threat To California
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has warned law enforcement agencies in California about a potential drone threat linked to Iran, though officials emphasize the intelligence remains unverified.
According to a bulletin reviewed by ABC News, the FBI said Iran had “aspired” to carry out a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles launched from a vessel off the U.S. West Coast.
“We recently acquired unverified information that as of early February 2026, Iran allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from an unidentified vessel… specifically against unspecified targets in California,” the alert stated.
“We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack.”
AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky, File
THREAT EMERGED BEFORE STRIKES
The intelligence referenced in the alert dates to before U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran began in late February.
Officials now believe that the ongoing military campaign may have significantly reduced Iran’s ability to carry out such an operation.
Even so, authorities are treating the warning as a precautionary measure, aimed at ensuring readiness rather than signaling an imminent threat.
President Donald Trump acknowledged the alert when asked by reporters.
“It’s being investigated,” he said. “But you have a lot of things happening… and the war itself is being prosecuted as well as anybody has ever seen.”
SECURITY MEASURES INCREASED
State and local agencies in California have stepped up coordination in response to the warning.
Officials in California said emergency services are working closely with federal partners to monitor potential risks and protect communities.
Law enforcement agencies have increased patrols at sensitive locations, including places of worship and cultural institutions.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said it is maintaining an “elevated level of readiness,” adding that additional resources are available if needed.
EXPERTS WARN OF EVOLVING DRONE RISKS
Security analysts say the alert reflects a broader concern about the growing role of drones in modern conflict.
John Cohen, a former intelligence official at the Department of Homeland Security, said Iran has both the capability and potential motivation to conduct such operations.
“We know Iran has an extensive presence in Mexico and South America… they have the drones and now they have the incentive to conduct attacks,” he said.
Authorities are also monitoring separate concerns involving Mexican drug cartels, which have explored the use of drones to target U.S. personnel near the southern border.
While such attacks inside the United States would be unprecedented, officials say the scenario is increasingly plausible.
UNCERTAINTY REMAINS
The FBI alert does not provide specific details about targets, timing, or methods, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding the threat.
Intelligence officials have long warned about the possibility of equipment being pre-positioned near U.S. territory, either on land or at sea, in anticipation of a conflict.
For now, authorities stress that the information is unconfirmed but important enough to warrant heightened vigilance.
The warning highlights how rapidly evolving technologies, particularly drone systems, are reshaping security concerns far beyond traditional battlefields.
