Federal authorities have warned law enforcement agencies in California about intelligence suggesting Iran may have explored the possibility of launching drone attacks against targets on the U.S. West Coast. The warning was shared through a security bulletin circulated in late February so that state and local agencies could prepare for potential threats tied to escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.
The advisory stated that intelligence obtained earlier this year indicated that as of early February 2026 Iran allegedly considered a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles launched from an unidentified vessel positioned offshore of the United States. According to the alert, the possible targets were believed to be located somewhere in California, although the report did not specify particular cities or facilities.
Officials emphasized that the information remains limited. Authorities said investigators currently have no confirmed details about the timing, method, targets, or individuals responsible for the scenario described in the warning.
Alert Issued Amid Escalating U.S.–Iran Tensions
The bulletin was distributed as tensions between the United States and Iran intensified following recent military operations involving the two countries. Iran has reportedly responded with drone attacks across parts of the Middle East during the ongoing confrontation.
Federal officials declined to publicly discuss the intelligence. The FBI field office in Los Angeles did not comment on the alert, and the White House also did not immediately respond to requests for clarification.
The warning was first reported in detail by ABC News, which reviewed the bulletin circulated to law enforcement agencies.
Security experts say the advisory highlights growing concerns about the use of long-range unmanned aerial systems launched from maritime platforms, a tactic that could allow attackers to operate far from American shores while avoiding early detection.
Concerns Over Drone Technology Expansion
The warning reflects a broader concern among U.S. intelligence agencies about the rapid expansion of drone capabilities among both state actors and criminal groups. Analysts have increasingly examined scenarios where drones could be launched from ships positioned offshore or from equipment stored in advance near American territory.
Officials have long been concerned that weapons systems or launch equipment could be pre-positioned either on land or aboard vessels so that attacks could be carried out quickly if military conflict involving Iran escalates.
Additional Warnings Involving Cartel Drone Activity
At the same time, intelligence officials have also raised alarms about the potential use of drones by Mexican drug cartels operating near the U.S.–Mexico border.
A separate intelligence bulletin circulated in September 2025 suggested unidentified cartel leaders had authorized plans for attacks using drones equipped with explosives against U.S. law enforcement officers or military personnel stationed near the border.
While analysts described such an operation as unprecedented, the report said the possibility remains plausible because of the increasing availability of commercial drone technology.
Authorities noted that cartel organizations historically avoid actions that would provoke significant retaliation from U.S. authorities, but law enforcement continues to monitor evolving tactics used by cross-border criminal groups.
Experts Warn Threat Landscape Is Expanding
Former Department of Homeland Security intelligence chief John Cohen said the warning reflects the expanding range of threats facing U.S. security agencies.
Cohen pointed to Iran’s presence in parts of Mexico and South America, noting that regional relationships combined with drone technology could create additional security challenges if tensions between Washington and Tehran escalate further.
He said alerts like the FBI bulletin allow state and local agencies to strengthen preparedness and response planning.
According to Cohen, early intelligence sharing helps law enforcement coordinate responses and improves readiness in the event emerging threats develop into operational plots.
California Authorities Monitoring Situation
Officials in California said they are coordinating closely with federal partners to monitor potential risks. The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services confirmed that state authorities are working with local and federal security agencies to protect communities.
Security experts say intelligence bulletins often describe potential threat scenarios rather than confirmed plots. Even so, they remain a key part of the early-warning system used by law enforcement across the United States.
As drone technology becomes more accessible and capable, analysts say authorities must prepare for threats originating from maritime routes, cross-border networks, or unconventional launch platforms far from traditional battlefields.
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