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The US continues to strike Iranian Naval ships near the Strait of Hormuz.
LOS ANGELES - The FBI has reportedly issued a bulletin to California police departments warning of a potential Iranian plot to launch unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) against the U.S. West Coast.
The alert underscores heightened domestic security concerns following recent large-scale U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian soil.
Word of an alleged drone attack
What we know:
According to an FBI bulletin reviewed by ABC News, intelligence acquired in early February 2026 suggests Iran "allegedly aspired" to conduct a surprise drone attack.
The plot reportedly involved launching drones from an unidentified vessel positioned off the U.S. coast, specifically targeting unspecified locations in California.
The warning was distributed to local law enforcement agencies at the end of February.
It was framed as a retaliatory measure by Tehran in the event of U.S. military action—an event that manifested on February 28 when the U.S. and Israel launched joint airstrikes that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and triggered an ongoing regional conflict.
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What they're saying:
Gov. Gavin Newsom said at a news conference that he's aware of the apparent threat of Iranian drone strikes on California.
He said when the war started, he activated the state emergency operations center.
"Drone issues have always been top of mind," Newsom said.
"As it relates to drone strikes, we have been aware of that information," he said. "We have been working collaboratively through the (operations center), which we established right after the war began — the State Operations Center. Working with the Office of Emergency Services, but also working locally to make sure we transmit any information that we have received."
LAPD, LASD release statements
Both the Los Angeles Police Department and Sheriff's Department released statements Wednesday saying they continue to monitor global threats and any potential impacts to LA.
"We want to reassure every Angeleno that we continue to coordinate with all of our Federal, State, and local partners for intelligence and information sharing during the ongoing Middle East conflict. We share this information in real time, assess every credible lead, and adjust our posture as needed to ensure the safety of our City. At this time, there are no known or specific threats to Los Angeles. The LAPD remains prepared and committed to maintaining public safety from all potential threats," LAPD said.
The LA County Sheriff's Department statement reads, "In light of current global events, the Department remains at an elevated level of readiness and is maintaining increased vigilance as we continue to protect our residents of Los Angeles County. We are working closely with our federal and local law enforcement partners to share intelligence and monitor the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and assess any potential impacts in our communities.
The safety of the public remains our highest priority. As part of our preparedness efforts, we remain attentive to all potential threats, including lone-actor attacks, sleeper cells, and advanced technological or cyber-related threats.
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. We have proactively reviewed our deployment plans, enhanced coordination with our patrol stations, and ensured that additional resources are available should they be needed. Additionally, the Department has cultural liaisons who work directly with community members to address concerns and foster engagement."
"No information on the timing, method, target"
What we don't know:
The FBI explicitly stated that it has "no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack."
Law enforcement sources have described the intelligence as "uncorroborated" and "cautionary," noting there is currently no evidence that Iran has the capability or active plans to successfully execute such an operation from a vessel in the Pacific.
Timeline:
Early February 2026: FBI acquires information regarding Iranian aspirations for a drone attack against California.
Late February 2026: Federal authorities distribute the warning bulletin to California law enforcement agencies.
February 28, 2026: U.S. and Israel launch major airstrikes on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
March 8, 2026: Mojtaba Khamenei is officially named Iran's new Supreme Leader.
March 11, 2026: Details of the FBI bulletin are first reported publicly by ABC News.
What they're saying:
While the FBI has declined to comment on the specific memo, President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday that he was not worried about Iran-backed attacks on U.S. soil.
On the other hand, security experts have expressed concern that the assassination of Iran’s leadership could embolden asymmetric threats, including drone warfare and cyberattacks.
The Source: This report is based on an internal FBI intelligence bulletin distributed to California law enforcement agencies and originally obtained by ABC News. The Associated Press and City News Service contributed.