From ABC News: The FBI warned police departments in California in recent days that Iran could retaliate for American attacks by launching drones at the West Coast, according to an alert reviewed by ABC News.
“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,” according to the alert distributed at the end of February. “We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack.”
The warning came just as the Trump administration launched its ongoing assault against the Islamic Republic. Iran has been retaliating with drone strikes against targets throughout the Mideast.
U.S. intelligence officials have been on high alert over the Mexican drug cartels increasing use of drones near the border. In early February, the U.S. military temporarily ordered the shutdown of the El Paso airport, after cartel drones reportedly breached U.S. airspace.
Now there are concerns that Iran may be working with the cartel.
The report quotes ABC News contributor John Cohen, the former head of intelligence for the Department of Homeland Security, as saying, “We know Iran has an extensive presence in Mexico and South America, they have relationships, they have the drones and now they have the incentive to conduct attacks.”
Cohen added, “The FBI is smart for putting this warning out so that state and locals can be better able to prepare and respond to these types of threats. Information like this is critically important for law enforcement.”
According to the newly revealed FBI warning, the news that Iran was planning to attack the west coast with drone attacks came in early February – weeks BEFORE the U.S. and Israel launched their attack on Iran on February 28.
READ MORE from ABC News.
WATCH BELOW:
BREAKING: The FBI has warned police departments in California that Iran wants to retaliate for American attacks by launching offensive drones against the West Coast, according to an alert reviewed by @ABC News. Aaron Katersky reports.
Read more: https://t.co/LNR2dkGK8T pic.twitter.com/P0JdsbF2Gl
— ABC News (@ABC) March 11, 2026
BREAKING: The FBI has warned police departments in California that Iran wants to retaliate for American attacks by launching offensive drones against the West Coast, according to an alert reviewed by ABC News.https://t.co/JmElj1xjxI
— ABC News (@ABC) March 11, 2026
🚨 BREAKING: FBI warned police departments in California within recent days that Iran may launch ATTACK DRONES at west coast targets, per ABC
Iran intended to launch the drones from a vessel off the US coast, per an FBI memo
But Democrats have CLOSED THE COAST GUARD along with… pic.twitter.com/NFaoiMZ3LZ
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) March 11, 2026
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