Federal authorities recently warned law enforcement agencies in California about a potential security threat involving Iranian drone capabilities, according to an intelligence alert reviewed by ABC News. The bulletin advised that Iran may have considered launching a surprise drone attack against targets along the U.S. West Coast under certain circumstances.
According to the alert, investigators obtained unverified intelligence indicating that as of early February 2026, Iran had allegedly explored the possibility of deploying unmanned aerial vehicles from a vessel positioned off the coast of the United States. The report suggested that such an attack could target locations in California if the United States carried out military strikes against the Iranian regime.
Officials emphasized that the intelligence remains unconfirmed and lacks critical details. The alert noted that authorities have no additional information regarding the timing, method, targets, or individuals who might be involved in such an operation.
The warning was distributed to local law enforcement agencies shortly before the United States and Israel launched a series of strikes against Iranian facilities. In the aftermath of those attacks, Iran has reportedly conducted retaliatory drone operations in parts of the Middle East. Despite those actions, a senior law enforcement official indicated that the sustained bombardment of Iranian infrastructure during the 12-day campaign may have significantly weakened Tehran’s ability to conduct complex overseas attacks.
The FBI’s Los Angeles field office declined to comment publicly on the intelligence alert.
When asked about the warning, President Donald Trump acknowledged that federal authorities are reviewing the situation. He indicated that investigators are monitoring developments while the broader military conflict continues.
“It’s being investigated,” Trump said Wednesday. “But you have a lot of things happening, and all we can do is take them as they come, and the war itself is being prosecuted as well as anybody has ever seen.”
Security officials have also expressed growing concern about another emerging threat: the expanding use of drone technology by Mexican drug cartels operating near the U.S.-Mexico border. According to a separate intelligence bulletin circulated in September 2025, federal authorities received an uncorroborated report suggesting that cartel leaders had authorized potential attacks using drones carrying explosives against American law enforcement and military personnel stationed near the border.
While such an attack inside the United States would represent a major escalation, analysts say the possibility illustrates how rapidly drone technology is transforming security threats.
California officials say they are working closely with federal partners to monitor the situation. A spokesperson for Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed that the state’s Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local, state, and federal security agencies to ensure communities remain protected.
Law enforcement agencies in Southern California have also taken precautionary steps. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department stated that it is maintaining an elevated state of readiness amid ongoing global tensions. The department has increased patrols around houses of worship, cultural institutions, and other prominent locations across the county.
Officials say the measures are partly precautionary and reflect heightened awareness during major religious observances and international developments.
John Cohen, an ABC News contributor and former head of intelligence for the Department of Homeland Security, said authorities are right to treat the threat seriously even if the intelligence remains preliminary.
Cohen noted that Iran has developed extensive drone capabilities and maintains networks of influence across parts of Latin America. Those factors, combined with geopolitical tensions, could create incentives for Tehran to consider unconventional methods of retaliation.
He added that warnings like the one distributed by the FBI play a critical role in preparing state and local authorities for potential threats.
“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,” Cohen said. “Information like this is critically important for law enforcement.”
While investigators continue to evaluate the intelligence, security officials have long warned that adversaries could attempt to pre-position equipment either on land or aboard vessels at sea to enable future attacks if geopolitical conflicts escalate.
