Federal authorities, via the FBI, have alerted California law enforcement agencies to unverified intelligence suggesting Iran harbored aspirations for a surprise drone attack on the state. The alleged plot, reportedly formulated in early February 2026, envisioned unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched from an unspecified vessel off the U.S. coast. This warning was disseminated after significant U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran, an action believed by senior law enforcement officials to have considerably diminished Iran's capacity to execute such an operation.
The alert, distributed in late February, explicitly states the information was "unverified." It details that the potential attack was contemplated in the event the U.S. conducted strikes against Iran. The FBI memo underscores that there is no additional information regarding the timing, method, specific target, or perpetrators of this alleged plan. While the alert has prompted awareness among state and local officials, there is a stated emphasis that it reflects ongoing threat monitoring rather than evidence of an active or imminent danger.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledged the FBI alert, stating his office is actively collaborating with security officials at all levels to safeguard communities. He has repeatedly emphasized that there is no imminent threat to the state. Similarly, President Donald Trump has publicly expressed a lack of concern regarding Iran-backed attacks on U.S. soil, despite the government investigating the unverified claim.
Officials involved have largely declined to comment on the specifics of the FBI bulletin. However, sources indicate that the alert was primarily intended to ensure agencies were aware of the intelligence. One official noted that such warnings are routine as the U.S. intelligence community routinely monitors adversaries signaling harmful intent, and mere claims do not equate to demonstrable capability. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services confirmed it is in regular coordination with federal, state, and local partners, sharing information on potential threats as part of ongoing security efforts.
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The alleged Iranian aspirations emerged in the context of escalating regional tensions. Iran has been engaged in retaliatory drone strikes throughout the Middle East. Reports indicate Iran began intensifying its attacks on targets in the Persian Gulf and Dubai around the time of the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian territory. This has led to an uptick in attacks on commercial shipping in waters near Iran since the conflict began.