FBI Issues Alert on Potential Iranian Drone Attack Targeting California
A counterterrorism source indicated the threat has “not been deemed credible at this time,” characterizing the alert as cautionary.
According to an alert distributed in late February 2026 and reviewed by multiple outlets, the FBI stated: “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 States Homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event that the US conducted strikes against Iran.” The agency noted it had no further details on timing, method, targets, or perpetrators.
The warning comes amid escalating conflict, with President Donald Trump's administration launching Operation Epic Fury on February 28, 2026, involving U.S. and Israeli strikes that killed top Iranian officials. Iran has responded with missile attacks on U.S. bases in the Middle East, resulting in at least seven American troops killed and about 140 wounded.
President Trump, when asked about concerns over Iran escalating to attacks on U.S. soil, told reporters he was “not worried.” War Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed vigilance, stating, “We’re ready for that. We’ve seen these types of folks before. And the American people can rest assured that we’re vigilant on that.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office described the alert as routine among daily federal security updates shared with local responders. Newsom noted he was aware and that “drone issues have always been top of mind,” with working groups addressing such concerns.
A counterterrorism source indicated the threat has “not been deemed credible at this time,” characterizing the alert as cautionary. The FBI declined to comment, and the White House and Department of Homeland Security did not respond to inquiries.
In a possibly related incident, a shooting in Austin, Texas, on February 28 killed three and wounded over a dozen, carried out by a Senegalese immigrant wearing attire with an Iranian flag and “Property of Allah” phrasing. Authorities have not linked it to Iranian-backed terrorism, and the investigation continues.