The FBI has issued a warning to law enforcement agencies in California about a potential threat from Iran, according to an alert reviewed by ABC News.
The warning suggested Iran could retaliate against US strikes by launching drones along the west coast.
“We recently received information that in early February 2026, Iran allegedly sought a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United States homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event that the United States conducts strikes against Iran,” the alert said.
“We have no further information on the timing, method, target or perpetrators of this alleged attack,” reports ABC News.
Threat context
The warning comes amid the Trump administration’s ongoing military campaign against Iran. Iranian forces responded with drone strikes in the Middle East, escalating regional tensions.
“While there is no specific timing or confirmed method, the alert underscores the possibility that Iran will strike in the continental United States,” the news site said.
Concerns over the use of drones by Mexican cartels
U.S. intelligence officials have also expressed concern about the growing use of drones by Mexican drug cartels, which could be used to target U.S. forces or personnel near the border.
“An unconfirmed report indicated that unidentified Mexican cartel leaders had authorized UAS (drones) attacks carrying explosives against U.S. law enforcement and U.S. military personnel along the U.S.-Mexico border,” according to a September 2025 bulletin reviewed by ABC News.
The report noted that while such attacks would be unprecedented, the scenario is likely: “This type of attack against U.S. personnel or interests inside the United States would be unprecedented, but it exemplifies a plausible scenario, although (cartels) typically avoid actions that would lead to unwanted attention or reactions from U.S. authorities,” the bulletin added.
