California Assessing Potential Iranian Drone Threat

Governor Newsom says state has shared information with local law enforcement partners

Mar. 12, 2026 at 6:06am

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The State of California is assessing a potential threat from Iran, according to Governor Gavin Newsom. An FBI memo obtained by CBS News relays a tip that if the U.S. struck Iran, Iran would retaliate by striking an unspecified area of California using 'Unmanned Aerial Vehicles' or drones. Local law enforcement agencies have been alerted to the threat, but officials are declining to provide further details.

Why it matters

This potential threat highlights ongoing concerns about the security of California's coastline and the use of drones for attacks. The state is taking the information seriously and coordinating with local partners, but details remain limited to protect operational security.

The details

The FBI memo says Iran planned to use drones to strike an unspecified area of California if the U.S. attacked Iran. Retired Marine Intelligence Officer Hal Kempfer noted that drones could be launched from ships or boats offshore, making the entire California coastline vulnerable. Local law enforcement agencies, including the Clovis Police Department, have been alerted to the threat but are not providing additional information.

  • On March 12, 2026, Governor Newsom announced the state was aware of the potential Iranian threat and had shared the information with local partners.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who confirmed the state is assessing a potential threat from Iran.

Hal Kempfer

A retired Marine Intelligence Officer who commented on the potential use of drones for an attack on California.

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What they’re saying

“We are aware of that information, and we transferred that information in real time to our local partners.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (yourcentralvalley.com)

“Drone issues have always been top of mind, and we've assembled work groups specifically around those concerns.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (yourcentralvalley.com)

“What was specifically mentioned was that a drone could be launched from a ship or a boat offshore, and that's very easy to do. You know, obviously, drones come in many different types of configurations, from fixed wing to quadcopter, you name it. There's all types of drones that can be used, and they can be used in a variety of different ways. And so that opens up the entire California coastline.”

— Hal Kempfer, Retired Marine Intelligence Officer (yourcentralvalley.com)

What’s next

The state and local law enforcement agencies will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate their response to the potential threat.

The takeaway

This potential threat from Iran highlights the ongoing security challenges facing California, particularly along its extensive coastline. The state is taking the information seriously and working closely with local partners, but details remain limited to protect operational security.