
The FBI warned police departments in California that Iran could possibly retaliate against the United States by launching drones against the West Coast, ABC News reports.
“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,” an alert read, according to the outlet.
“We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack,” it added.
BREAKING: The FBI has warned police departments in California that Iran wants to retaliate for American attacks by launching offensive drones against the West Coast, according to an alert reviewed by @ABC News.
Read more: https://t.co/LNR2dkGK8T pic.twitter.com/gMwi9Xbtyc
— ABC News (@ABC) March 11, 2026
ABC News explained further:
U.S. intelligence officials have also grown 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.
“An uncorroborated report suggested that unidentified Mexican cartel leaders had authorized 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.”
ABC News contributor John Cohen, the former head of intelligence for the Department of Homeland Security, said 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.”
ABC News shared video coverage:
BREAKING: The FBI has warned police departments in California that Iran wants to retaliate for American attacks by launching offensive drones against the West Coast, according to an alert reviewed by @ABC News. Aaron Katersky reports.
Read more: https://t.co/LNR2dkGK8T pic.twitter.com/P0JdsbF2Gl
— ABC News (@ABC) March 11, 2026
More from the Los Angeles Times:
A source with knowledge of the memo who was not authorized to discuss it publicly said the warning was issued based on intelligence received by the U.S. Coast Guard. Law enforcement sources experienced in intelligence said such alerts are cautionary in nature.
The source is experienced in counter-terrorism and said “that it’s not been deemed credible at this time.”
The sources stressed the warning was cautionary and there was no indication Iran was planning an attack or that it could successfully launch one.
But the warning played into security strategies local and national authorities enacted after the war began.