The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has warned police departments in California that Iran could retaliate for American military actions by launching drone attacks targeting the U.S West Coast.
According to an alert reviewed by ABC News, the warning was circulated to law enforcement agencies in recent days amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.
The alert indicated that as of early February 2026, U.S. authorities obtained information suggesting that Iran allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles launched from an unidentified vessel positioned off the coast of the United States.
“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 States homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California, if the U.S. conducted strikes against Iran,” the alert stated.
However, the FBI noted that it has no additional details regarding the timing, method, targets, or individuals involved in the alleged plan.
The warning comes as the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump continues its military offensive against the Islamic Republic. Iran has already carried out retaliatory drone strikes against targets across parts of the Middle East.
The White House has so far not issued any statement on the development.
Meanwhile, U.S. intelligence officials have raised concerns about the growing use of drone technology by Mexican drug cartels and the possibility that such capabilities could be deployed against American forces and personnel near the U.S.–Mexico border.
A September 2025 intelligence bulletin suggested that unidentified cartel leaders had authorised potential attacks using drones carrying explosives against U.S. law enforcement and military personnel along the border.