FBI Warns of Possible Iranian Drone Attack in California
Posted on 03/12/26 at 15:25
- FBI warns of Iran drone threat to California
- Possible Iranian retaliation in the U.S.
- Concerns about drones near the border
Law enforcement agencies in California received a warning from the Federal Bureau of Investigation about a possible drone attack linked to Iran, according to an alert reviewed by ABC News.
The notice was sent in recent days to police departments across the state.
The alert mentions the possibility that Iran could attempt to launch drones from the Pacific Ocean.
The scenario is connected to potential retaliation following U.S. attacks against the Islamic Republic.
Drone threat raises concerns in California
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
U.S. authorities believe drone technology could create new threats to the continental United States.
The devices could potentially be launched from vessels near the coast.
There is also concern about the possible use of drones near the southern border.
The warnings aim to ensure that state and local agencies prepare for emerging scenarios.
Warning mentions possible surprise attack from the sea
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
The FBI alert describes information recently obtained about an alleged Iranian plan.
According to the document, the plan may have been considered in early February 2026.
The supposed attack would involve drones launched from an unidentified vessel.
The potential targets would be unspecified locations in California.
You may also like: Expert Who Predicted Conflict With Iran Issues New Warning About the U.S.
The scenario would be triggered if the United States carried out attacks against Iran.
The alert was distributed in late February.
The document clarifies that no additional information is available.
Authorities do not know:
- the timing of the attack
- the exact method
- specific targets
- or the individuals responsible
The warning was issued as the administration of Donald Trump launched attacks against Iran.
Iran later responded with drone strikes on targets in several parts of the Middle East.
A spokesperson for the FBI’s Los Angeles office declined to comment on the alert.
The White House also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Concerns about drone use also include the U.S.-Mexico border
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.https://t.co/JmElj1xjxI
— ABC News (@ABC) March 11, 2026
U.S. intelligence officials have also raised concerns about another threat.
That concern involves the growing use of drones by Mexican drug cartels.
Authorities fear that such technology could be used against U.S. personnel.
These concerns are focused particularly on the U.S.-Mexico border.
A bulletin from September 2025 reviewed by ABC News mentioned an uncorroborated report.
The report suggested that leaders of unidentified cartels may have authorized drone attacks carrying explosives.
The potential targets would be law enforcement officers and U.S. military personnel.
Such attacks would occur along the border.
This type of attack inside the United States would be unprecedented.
However, officials say the scenario is plausible.
Authorities note that cartels usually avoid actions that would trigger strong responses from U.S. law enforcement.
John Cohen, now an ABC News contributor, expressed concern.
Cohen mentioned the possibility of drone warfare originating from the Pacific Ocean and from Mexico.
He noted that Iran has a presence in Mexico and South America, maintains relationships in the region, and possesses drone capabilities.
According to Cohen, the country may now also have incentives to carry out attacks.
He said the FBI acted appropriately by issuing the warning about the Iran drone threat to California.
The information allows states and local governments to prepare and helps law enforcement agencies respond to potential threats.
U.S. intelligence officials have also warned for years about another risk.
That concern involves the pre-positioning of equipment, either on land or aboard ships.
Such preparations could allow attacks to be launched quickly if Israel or the United States were to strike Iran.
This scenario has long been discussed in national security circles.
