The FBI has warned the police departments in California of a possibility of Iran retaliating to American attacks by launching drones at the West Coast.
“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,” ABC News quoted the alert that was distributed at the end of February.
“We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack,” it added.
Though there has been no official confirmation on the matter, the US intelligence officials have reportedly been concerned in recent months about the expanding use of drones by Mexican drug cartels and the chance the technology could be used to attack American forces and personnel near the Mexican border.
The United States and Israel launched a joint large-scale military offensive against Iran on February 28, killing Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The operation was referred to as “Operation Roaring Lion” by Israel and “Operation Epic Fury”.
ABC News quoted John Cohen, the former head of intelligence for the Department of Homeland Security, saying that he is concerned about the possibility of drone warfare coming from both the Pacific and Mexico.
“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 said. “The FBI is smart for putting this warning out so that state and locals can be better able to prepare and respond to these types of threats. Information like this is critically important for law enforcement.”
