FBI Warns Iran May Attempt Drone Strike On U.S. West Coast

Federal authorities have warned state officials about a potential Iranian plot to launch a drone attack on American soil, raising new concerns about retaliation as tensions with Tehran continue to escalate.

An intelligence bulletin from the FBI alerted California law enforcement that Iran may be considering a “surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles” launched from a vessel positioned off the U.S. West Coast.

According to the alert, federal officials first became aware of the potential threat in early February.

“We recently acquired information that Iran allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United States homeland,” the bulletin stated.

The document said the potential targets could be located in California, though investigators currently have no specific details about timing, methods, or intended locations.

Federal authorities have not publicly confirmed the threat.

The FBI declined to comment when asked about the alert, and the White House and Department of Homeland Security have not yet issued official statements addressing the report.

California officials acknowledged receiving the intelligence warning.

Governor Gavin Newsom said the state regularly receives security briefings from federal agencies and distributes them to local law enforcement and emergency responders.

“This bulletin is one of numerous security updates the state receives from federal partners daily,” a spokesperson for the governor said.

Newsom also indicated that state officials are already examining drone-related security concerns.

“Drone issues have always been top of mind,” he said in a video message.

The warning comes amid rising tensions following Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. military campaign launched on February 28 targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.

In response to the strikes, Iran has launched missile attacks on several U.S. military installations across the Middle East.

According to military reports:

• At least seven U.S. service members have been killed in retaliatory strikes.

• Roughly 140 American personnel have been wounded.

• Iran has launched hundreds of drones and missiles across the region.

Because of the escalating conflict, federal agencies have been monitoring potential threats inside the United States.

Defense officials say Iran and its allied groups have previously used unmanned aircraft in attacks across the Middle East. Iranian-designed drones have been deployed against military bases, shipping infrastructure, and civilian targets in multiple countries.

The possibility of launching drones from a vessel near the American coastline presents a different type of security challenge.

Small drones can travel significant distances and are relatively inexpensive compared to traditional missile systems, making them difficult to detect and intercept.

Federal security agencies have warned for years that hostile actors could attempt similar tactics.

Meanwhile, authorities are also investigating recent incidents in the United States that occurred shortly after the military strikes against Iran.

In Austin, Texas, three people were killed and more than a dozen injured when a gunman opened fire at a bar hours after the operation was announced.

Police say the suspect, identified as Ndiaga Diagne, was wearing clothing displaying an Iranian flag and religious slogans when he carried out the attack.

Officials have not yet determined whether the shooting was connected to Iranian-backed terrorism.

National security officials say the situation underscores the need for continued vigilance as the conflict overseas unfolds.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the possibility of retaliation earlier this month.

“We’re ready for that,” he said. “The American people can rest assured that we’re vigilant.”

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