California Officials See No Imminent Drone Threat from Iran

State and local leaders assure residents there are no specific threats despite federal warning.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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California state and local officials said Wednesday that they are aware of a federal warning about potential Iranian drone attacks, but they have not identified any imminent threats to the state. Governor Gavin Newsom and mayors of major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco stated they are coordinating with federal partners but have not been informed of credible dangers from Iran.

Why it matters

The warning comes as tensions remain high between the U.S. and Iran following the start of a new war. California's long coastline, numerous military bases, and large Iranian-American population make it a potential target for retaliation, though officials say they have not received intelligence about specific plans.

The details

The FBI recently alerted California law enforcement that Iran 'aspired' to launch ship-based drone strikes on the state if the U.S. attacked Iran, though the alert said Iran did not have the current capability to do so. State and local leaders say they are monitoring the situation closely and have increased coordination with federal agencies, but have not identified any imminent threats or need to heighten security at this time.

  • The FBI warning was issued to California police agencies in recent weeks.
  • California's emergency services office has been operating at an elevated security level since the U.S. and Israel began the war with Iran.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The governor of California who said state officials are aware of the warning and have been in close communication with federal and local law enforcement agencies.

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles who said her office and the city's police department are 'coordinating closely with state and federal partners' but there is 'no specific or credible threat' to the city.

Daniel Lurie

The mayor of San Francisco who said the city has been in constant communication with state and federal partners and has been assured there are 'no imminent threats' to the city.

Robert G. Luna

The Los Angeles County Sheriff who said this is the 'most extreme time I've seen in decades' and is encouraging residents to report any suspicious activity.

Alex Padilla

A Democratic U.S. Senator from California who said he has requested additional information from the Trump administration on federal efforts to counter potential threats to California from Iran.

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What they’re saying

“It's all about a posture of preparedness for a worst-case scenario.”

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

“I wish the president would talk to the American people about what this is all about. What's the end game here?”

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

“At this time, there is no specific or credible threat to Los Angeles.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles (thenewstribune.com)

“I want you all to know that we are aware of the reports that were made public today, and we have been in constant communication with our state and federal partners, who have assured us there are no imminent threats to us here in San Francisco.”

— Daniel Lurie, Mayor of San Francisco (thenewstribune.com)

“This is the most extreme time I've seen in decades. We're encouraging everyone to remain aware of their surroundings, including online and digital spaces. If you see something disturbing, or a neighbor is saying things that concern you, let us know. That's what's going to keep us safe.”

— Robert G. Luna, Los Angeles County Sheriff (thenewstribune.com)

What’s next

The governor said he has not talked directly with President Donald Trump and wishes the president would address the American people about the 'end game' in the war with Iran.

The takeaway

While California officials remain vigilant, they have not identified any specific or credible threats from Iran at this time. The warning highlights the ongoing tensions and uncertainty surrounding the new war, but state and local leaders are working closely with federal partners to monitor the situation and ensure public safety.