FBI warns Iran could launch drone attack on California as conflict in West Asia escalates

The Federal Bureau of Investigation warned police departments in the state of California that Iran could attack Americans by launching drones on the West Coast. The authorities issued an alert warning the American state to be prepared for any form of retaliation as the conflict in West Asia continues to escalate.

“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, if the US conducted strikes against Iran,” according to the alert distributed at the end of February, ABC News reported.

“We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack," the FBI furthered. It is pertient to note that the warning came just as US President Donald Trump’s administration launched a lethal assault against Iran, joining hands with Israel. 

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In response to this, Iran has been striking its neighbouring West Asian nations, especially targeting the American bases in the region. Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for the FBI office in LA declined to comment on the matter. The White House has also kept mum on the warning.

America remains on high alert

Amid the chaos, US intelligence officials have also grown concerned in recent months about the expanding use of drones by Mexican drug cartels and the chance that the technology could be used to attack American forces and personnel near the Mexican border.

“An uncorroborated report suggested that unidentified Mexican cartel leaders had authorised attacks using UAS (drones) carrying explosives against US law enforcement and US military personnel along the US-Mexico border,” according to a September 2025 bulletin reviewed by ABC News.

“This type of attack against US personnel or interests inside the United States would be unprecedented but exemplifies a plausible scenario, although (cartels) typically avoid actions that would result in unwanted attention or responses from US authorities," it furthered.

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Meanwhile, in a response to ABC News, California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office said, “The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is actively working with state, local and federal security officials to protect our communities.” The LA Sheriff’s Department said that “in light of current global events,” it is maintaining an “elevated level of readiness.”

“Out of an abundance of caution, and in recognition of current religious observances, the Department has continued increased patrols around places of worship, cultural institutions, and other prominent locations throughout the County,” the department said in a statement.

“We have proactively reviewed our deployment plans, enhanced coordination with our patrol stations, and ensured that additional resources are available should they be needed,” it added. It is important to note that while the FBI warning did not specify how or when vessels carrying attack drones could get close enough to the US mainland, intelligence officials have long been concerned about equipment being pre-positioned – either on land or on ships at sea – in the event Israel or the US struck Iran.