Federal authorities recently alerted law enforcement agencies in California about a potential security concern involving Iran.
According to a warning reviewed by ABC News, the FBI told local police departments that Iran may attempt to retaliate against the United States by launching drones toward targets along the West Coast.
The alert raised concerns among officials because it suggests the possibility of an overseas drone operation targeting the United States mainland. While the intelligence report did not identify specific locations or timelines, the warning still prompted authorities to monitor the situation closely.
According to the FBI bulletin, the information was obtained earlier this year and distributed to law enforcement agencies near the end of February. The report suggested Iran may have considered using unmanned aerial vehicles launched from a vessel off the U.S. coast. Authorities believe the potential targets could be somewhere in California, although officials emphasized that details remain limited.
Security analysts note that drones have become an increasingly common tool in modern conflict. Governments and non-state groups now use unmanned aircraft for surveillance and attacks. As a result, federal agencies have expanded monitoring systems designed to detect potential drone threats near U.S. territory.
At the same time, officials stress that the warning does not confirm an imminent attack. Instead, it reflects precautionary intelligence sharing between federal and local law enforcement agencies. These alerts allow officials to increase preparedness while investigators continue to gather information.
Authorities across California are now reviewing the alert and coordinating with federal agencies. Their goal is to ensure communities remain safe while also maintaining transparency about potential risks.
Details From the FBI Alert About a Possible Iran Drone Attack on the West Coast
The FBI warning distributed to California law enforcement outlined a potential scenario involving Iranian retaliation following U.S. military actions overseas. According to the bulletin reviewed by ABC News, investigators obtained information suggesting Iran may have explored the use of drones launched from a vessel positioned off the U.S. coastline.
The alert explained the intelligence in direct terms:
“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 State Homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event that the US conducted strikes against Iran,” according to the alert distributed at the end of February. “We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack.”
Officials stressed that the intelligence remains limited and unconfirmed. The alert does not identify any specific cities, infrastructure, or individuals connected to the possible threat. However, authorities still shared the information with local agencies so they could remain alert to unusual maritime or aerial activity near the coast.
National security experts say this type of information sharing is common during periods of global tension. Federal agencies frequently circulate alerts so local authorities can increase surveillance, coordinate with emergency responders, and review response protocols.
The warning also arrived during a period of escalating conflict between the United States and Iran. At the time the alert was distributed, the U.S. government had already launched military strikes targeting Iranian assets. In response, Iran has reportedly conducted drone strikes throughout parts of the Middle East.