The West Coast is on high alert after a new warning suggested Iran could launch a drone attack on west US cities if tensions with the United States escalate.
A recent FBI alert has raised concerns among security officials, especially in California where law enforcement agencies are reviewing their preparedness.
According to ABC News, the Federal Bureau of Investigation recently warned police departments in California about a possible retaliation scenario involving drones.
"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 stated.
"We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack."
The warning came around the same time the Trump administration launched military strikes against Iran. Iran has since carried out drone attacks against targets across the Middle East.
US intelligence officials are also concerned about Mexican drug cartels using drones more often, with a bulletin from September 2025 stating that unidentified Mexican cartel leaders had authorized attacks using UAS (drones) carrying explosives against US law enforcement and US military personnel along the US-Mexico border.
California authorities are working closely with federal and local agencies to monitor the situation, with the Governor's Office of Emergency Services actively working with state, local and federal security officials to protect communities.
