Federal authorities recently alerted law enforcement agencies across California about a potential drone threat connected to escalating tensions with Iran.
An internal alert shared with police departments states that Iranian actors may have considered launching unmanned aerial vehicles from a vessel positioned off the U.S. West Coast. According to the bulletin reviewed by ABC News, the possible attack scenario involved drones aimed at unspecified locations in California if the United States carried out military strikes against Iran.
“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 alert said. “We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack.”
The notice circulated as the Trump administration began military strikes against Iran. Since then, Iranian forces have responded with drone attacks targeting locations across the Middle East.
Officials in California say they are closely coordinating with federal partners as the situation develops. A spokesperson for the FBI’s Los Angeles office declined to comment publicly, and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office confirmed state emergency officials are working alongside federal and local law enforcement.
“The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is actively working with state, local, and federal security officials to protect our communities,” a spokesperson said.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department also confirmed it has heightened patrol activity.
“Out of an abundance of caution, and in recognition of current religious observances, the Department has continued increased patrols around places of worship, cultural institutions, and other prominent locations throughout the County,” the department said.
Security experts also warn that growing access to drone technology, including by criminal groups, has expanded the range of potential threats facing U.S. authorities.
