Officials Downplay Risk of Iranian Drone Attacks Off California After FBI Memo

Governor Newsom says state is "prepared" despite lack of specific threat

Mar. 11, 2026 at 11:34pm

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An FBI memo warning that Iran may try to launch drones at California in a seaborne "surprise attack" raised concern, but law enforcement officials and homeland security experts have cautioned that it may not point to an immediate threat. Multiple U.S. and California law enforcement and intelligence officials say there is no known, specific threat underpinning the memo, which was issued a week ago and distributed to local law enforcement by the FBI's Los Angeles office.

Why it matters

The warning was issued several days into the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran, prompting concerns that Iran could seek to retaliate on American soil. Some homeland security experts have pointed to the risk of cyberattacks and to Iran's alleged history of murder-for-hire plots against dissidents based in the U.S. and prominent American officials.

The details

The memo stems from an apparent tip that surfaced prior to the Iranian conflict, stating the FBI received "unverified" information that Iran "allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United States Homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event that the US conducted strikes against Iran." However, the memo added that the FBI had no additional information on the potential "timing, method, target, or perpetrators."

  • The memo was issued a week ago and distributed to local law enforcement by the FBI's Los Angeles office.
  • The warning was issued several days into the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who said the state remains prepared for any emergency despite the lack of known, specific threats.

Samantha Vinograd

A CBS News contributor and former Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary for counterterrorism and threat protection.

Jeff Harp

A former FBI special agent who said the FBI has a directive to over-communicate with agencies about potential threats, even if the information is not 100% accurate.

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What they’re saying

“While we are not aware of any imminent threats at this time, we remain prepared for any emergency in our state.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (CBS News)

“The Iranian regime has a vast and diverse arsenal of drones that it has deployed throughout the Middle East.”

— Samantha Vinograd, CBS News contributor and former Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary (CBS News)

“If they have any inkling that there is information out there, they're going to broadcast it. It doesn't have to be 100% accurate. But what they want to get out there is at least a warning to make sure that there is some preparation and notice that goes out.”

— Jeff Harp, Former FBI special agent (CBS News)

The takeaway

This memo highlights the ongoing concerns about potential Iranian retaliation and the need for vigilance, even when specific threats are unverified. While officials downplay an immediate risk, it serves as a reminder for California and other states to remain prepared for a range of potential security scenarios.