Alert Issued Over Unverified Iran Drone Threat to California
A warning concerning a potential, unverified drone attack by Iranian-affiliated actors on California prompted an alert to state and local law enforcement agencies. Although officials have consistently stated there is no imminent threat, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) circulated a memo detailing unverified claims of Iran's alleged aspirations, leading to enhanced vigilance among California authorities.
Officials have consistently stated there is no imminent threat to California, despite the alert.
FBI Memo Details Unverified Drone Allegations
The FBI's Los Angeles office recently distributed a memo to local law enforcement and officials in California, including agencies participating in a federal Joint Terrorism Task Force. This memo contained unvetted and unverified information.
It stated that Iran allegedly aspired or intended to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from an unidentified vessel off the U.S. coast. The alleged timeline for this potential action was by early February 2026, based on information reportedly received early last month.
According to the memo, these unspecified targets in California would reportedly be targeted if the United States conducted strikes against Iran. The intelligence prompting this warning was reportedly acquired by the U.S. Coast Guard.
The FBI specified that it had no additional information regarding the potential timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack.
Officials Dismiss Imminent Threat
Numerous federal and state officials, along with counter-terrorism experts, have characterized the information as "unverified," "unvetted," "aspirational," and "not credible." They have emphasized that there is no known, specific, or imminent threat to California.
- Governor Gavin Newsom stated on Wednesday that there was no "imminent threat" to the state, despite the reports. He affirmed being in "constant coordination with security and intelligence officials" and reiterated that the state remains prepared for any emergency. His office described the memo as one of "numerous security updates" received daily from federal partners.
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Thursday that the message to law enforcement was based on "unverified intelligence." She asserted that "no such threat from Iran to our homeland exists, and it never did."
- President Donald Trump commented on Wednesday that the government was investigating the unverified claim.
- The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Homeland Security Division has elevated its security posture, citing daily coordination to ensure public safety.
- Officials with the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department stated the department is operating at an “elevated level of readiness” and maintaining “increased vigilance.” The Los Angeles Police Department and San Francisco Police Department reported monitoring global events for potential risks and collaborating with state and federal authorities, while stating no known or specific threats to their cities.
- The FBI declined to comment on Wednesday, though a spokesperson posted about the alert on X following initial media reports.
Security Warnings: Standard Practice Amid Elevated Tensions
The issuance of such warnings is described as standard procedure for federal agencies. Jonathan Kohlhepp, an adjunct lecturer at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and former member of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, explained that special information bulletins are common to raise awareness about information deemed credible enough to share. He noted that urgent or immediate action information is typically communicated through more direct methods.
Former FBI special agent Jeff Harp added that there is a directive to over-communicate potential threats, even if not entirely accurate, to ensure preparedness.
This memo concerning California coincides with broader security warnings issued by the U.S. intelligence community. These warnings have urged American companies and government agencies to increase vigilance against cyberattacks by the Iranian regime due to ongoing tensions.
A recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) bulletin alerted U.S. law enforcement to a heightened threat environment, citing open-source intelligence, including two top Iranian religious leaders issuing fatwas calling for revenge. A decree from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) also stated that "the enemy... will no longer have security anywhere in the world, even in their own homes."
Following recent strikes by the U.S. and Israel, the FBI reportedly adopted an elevated alert status nationwide. Authorities are focusing on enhancing security around U.S. energy infrastructure, fortifying government targets against cyber threats, and securing the border.