Federal authorities have issued an urgent alert to law enforcement agencies across California, warning of a potential Iranian drone attack launched from offshore vessels, according to an FBI bulletin circulated to police departments.
The warning comes as tensions remain high following the U.S. military campaign against Iran that culminated in the killing of the country’s supreme leader last month.
The FBI alert said intelligence obtained earlier this year indicated Iran had discussed launching unmanned aerial vehicles from a vessel positioned off the American coastline.
“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,” the bulletin stated.
Officials emphasized that the intelligence remains limited.
“We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack,” the alert added.
The bulletin was distributed to law-enforcement agencies throughout California, though it did not specify potential targets or locations that might be at risk.
“Drone issues have been top of mind,” California Governor Gavin Newsom said during a news conference Tuesday to announce new funding for mental health and drug treatment as it relates to homelessness. “We’ve been aware of that information; we’ve been working collaboratively with the [State Operations Center].”
Gov. Newsom on threat of Iranian drone strikes on California.,
“Drone issues have always been top of mind”pic.twitter.com/BPXr3k6Dsr
— Defiant L’s (@DefiantLs) March 11, 2026
California is home to the largest Iranian-American community in the United States, with estimates suggesting as many as 500,000 Iranian dissidents and expatriates live in the state. Officials did not indicate whether that population factored into the intelligence assessment.
Authorities have not confirmed whether any vessels connected to the alleged threat have been identified, and the alert appeared to be precautionary, intended to ensure state and local police remain vigilant amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.
FBI has warned some California police departments that Iran is looking at possibly launching drone attacks at the West Coast as retaliation, according to an alert received and reviewed by ABC News. pic.twitter.com/h156SH8ZBD
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) March 11, 2026
More over at The New York Post:
Gavin Newsom calls threat of Iran drone attacks 'critical' – but heaps blame on President Trump https://t.co/OJVjW2J3x1 pic.twitter.com/hjBBBZCsv2
— New York Post (@nypost) March 11, 2026
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