Newsom: No Imminent Threat to California Despite Iran Drone Warning

Police monitoring for any risks as FBI alert cites unverified information about possible attack

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:19pm

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California Governor Gavin Newsom stated there is no imminent threat to the state, despite a recent FBI warning about a potential Iranian drone attack on unspecified targets in California. The FBI alert cited unverified information, and the White House Press Secretary later said no such threat from Iran exists. Police in Los Angeles and San Francisco are monitoring the situation but say they have no specific credible threats.

Why it matters

The warning about a potential Iranian drone attack on California highlights ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, and the need for vigilance against potential security threats. However, the lack of verified intelligence and the quick dismissal by the White House raises questions about the validity of the alert and the potential for overreaction to unconfirmed information.

The details

The FBI recently issued an alert to police departments about Iran potentially planning a surprise attack using drones from an unidentified vessel off the U.S. coast, with unspecified targets in California. However, the alert also stated the information was "unverified." The White House Press Secretary later said no such threat from Iran exists and never did. Governor Newsom and police in major California cities say they are monitoring the situation but have no specific credible threats.

  • The FBI alert was posted on X on March 12, 2026.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who stated there is no imminent threat to the state despite the FBI warning.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House Press Secretary who said the message to law enforcement about a threat from Iran was based on "unverified intelligence" and that no such threat exists.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President who was asked about the potential threat from Iran and said it was "being investigated."

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What they’re saying

“We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack.”

— FBI spokesperson

“No such threat from Iran to our homeland exists, and it never did.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for caution and verification when it comes to security threats, as unverified information can lead to unnecessary alarm. The quick dismissal of the threat by the White House suggests the alert may have been premature or unfounded, underscoring the importance of clear and reliable communication from authorities during potential crises.