FBI Warns of Potential Iranian Drone Threat to California Coast
Federal intelligence suggests sea-based unmanned aerial vehicle strikes are being considered as retaliation for the ongoing Middle East conflict.
- By Ralph C. Jensen
- Mar 12, 2026
Federal law enforcement officials have issued a security bulletin to California agencies warning of a potential threat involving Iranian-backed drone operations targeting the West Coast.
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), however, has said there is no “imminent threat” to the state following federal reports of Iranian-affiliated actors conducting potential drone attacks. Federal law enforcement said they have acquired information as early as February 2026 that Iran had aspired to conduct a surprise attack off the West Coast against unspecified targets.
The FBI alert indicates that Iranian operatives have reportedly considered launching unmanned aerial vehicles from vessels positioned in the Pacific Ocean. According to the bulletin, the intelligence was gathered in early February and suggests the plans were developed as potential retaliatory measures in the event of U.S. military action against Iranian interests.
The warning comes amid a period of heightened military tension between the U.S. and Iran. While the document outlines the logistical possibility of a sea-based drone launch, federal officials stated they currently possess no specific information regarding exact targets, timelines, or identified perpetrators.
The US intelligence community collects intelligence on adversaries signaling their desire to cause harm, one law enforcement official source said, but mere claims do not mean adversaries are capable of carrying out an attack. President Donald Trump said government intelligence is investigating what is now being called an unverified claim. Trump also said he had been briefed on potential Iranian sleeper cells located within the United States.
California Governor Gavin Newsom addressed the report, stating that while the state has elevated its security posture, there are no known imminent threats to the public. Newsom noted that the state’s counter-terrorism units have prioritized drone-related threats as part of their long-term regional security strategy.
Local law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, confirmed they are coordinating with federal partners. Both agencies have increased patrols around high-value targets, including critical infrastructure and cultural institutions, as a precautionary measure.
The FBI’s assessment also noted broader regional concerns regarding drone technology. Separate intelligence reports have monitored the increasing use of weaponized drones by non-state actors near the southern border. However, analysts maintain that a large-scale physical strike on the U.S. mainland remains a low-probability, high-impact scenario.
U.S. officials continue to monitor maritime traffic off the California coast as part of the ongoing investigation into the credibility of the drone threat.
About the Author
Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.