The Kabul Tribune (KT) — The FBI has warned law enforcement agencies in California that Iran may attempt retaliatory drone attacks on the U.S. West Coast following American strikes, according to ABC News.
The alert, reviewed by ABC News, stated 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 States,
specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event that the
U.S. conducted strikes against Iran.” The bulletin did not provide further
details on timing, targets, or methods.
The warning coincides with ongoing U.S. military operations
against Iran, while Tehran has carried out retaliatory drone strikes across the
Middle East. The FBI office in Los Angeles declined to comment, and the White
House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
U.S. intelligence officials have also expressed concern
about Mexican drug cartels potentially using drones to attack American forces
near the U.S.-Mexico border. A 2025 bulletin noted that cartel leaders could
authorize attacks with unmanned aerial systems, though such action inside the
United States would be unprecedented.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said it is
actively coordinating with federal, state, and local authorities to prepare for
potential threats. John Cohen, former head of intelligence at the Department of
Homeland Security, highlighted the risk of drone warfare from both the Pacific
Ocean and Mexico, stressing the importance of the FBI’s alert in enabling law
enforcement preparedness.
ABC News reported the alert as part of growing concerns
about unconventional aerial threats amid the heightened U.S.-Iran
confrontation.
