FBI Warns of Potential Iranian Drone Attacks on California

Alert issued about alleged Iranian plans to retaliate against U.S. with drone strikes off California coast

Mar. 12, 2026 at 12:48am

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The FBI has warned California police departments that Iran could retaliate for American attacks by launching drones at the West Coast, according to an alert reviewed by ABC News. The warning came as the Trump administration launched ongoing assaults against Iran, which has been retaliating with drone strikes in the Middle East. U.S. intelligence officials have also expressed concern about the expanding use of drones by Mexican drug cartels and the possibility of attacks against U.S. personnel near the Mexican border.

Why it matters

This alert highlights the growing threat of drone warfare, both from nation-states like Iran as well as non-state actors like Mexican cartels. It underscores the need for heightened security and preparedness measures to protect against potential drone attacks on U.S. soil, especially in vulnerable coastal regions.

The details

According to the FBI alert, the agency 'recently acquired information that as of early February 2026, Iran allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United State Homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event that the US conducted strikes against Iran.' The FBI stated it had no additional details on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of the alleged attack.

  • The FBI warning was distributed at the end of February 2026.
  • The alleged Iranian drone attack plans were said to be as of early February 2026.

The players

FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the primary federal law enforcement agency in the United States.

Iran

A Middle Eastern country that has been engaged in ongoing tensions and conflicts with the United States.

Trump administration

The administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, which launched assaults against Iran during its tenure.

Mexican drug cartels

Powerful criminal organizations based in Mexico that have been expanding their use of drone technology.

John Cohen

A former head of intelligence for the Department of Homeland Security and current ABC News contributor.

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What they’re saying

“We recently acquired information that as of early February 2026, Iran allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United State Homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event that the US conducted strikes against Iran.”

— FBI

“We know Iran has an extensive presence in Mexico and South America, they have relationships, they have the drones and now they have the incentive to conduct attacks. The FBI is smart for putting this warning out so that state and locals can be better able to prepare and respond to these types of threats. Information like this is critically important for law enforcement.”

— John Cohen, Former head of intelligence, Department of Homeland Security

The takeaway

This alert underscores the growing threat of drone warfare, both from nation-states like Iran as well as non-state actors like Mexican drug cartels. It highlights the need for heightened security and preparedness measures to protect against potential drone attacks on U.S. soil, especially in vulnerable coastal regions.