FBI Warns of Possible Iranian Drone Attack on California

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has warned law enforcement agencies in California about a possible Iranian plan to carry out drone attacks on the U.S. West Coast.

ABC News reported on this, citing an internal FBI bulletin circulated in late February 2026.

According to intelligence information, Tehran could consider such attacks as retaliation if the United States launches strikes on Iranian territory.

Iran was reportedly planning a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles launched from an unidentified vessel near the coast of the United States. The main targets are believed to be facilities in California, though there is currently no precise list of targets, methods, or timing for the operation.

Possible attack along the southern U.S. border

At the same time, U.S. intelligence agencies are concerned about increasing activity by Mexican drug cartels, which have also begun using drones. There are reports that UAVs carrying explosives could potentially be used against U.S. military personnel and law enforcement along the southern border with Mexico.

John Cohen, former intelligence chief at the United States Department of Homeland Security, noted that Iran has an extensive network in Latin America.

The presence of shared interests with local groups and access to technology makes the scenario of an attack launched from the sea quite plausible.