The West Coast of the United States is on high alert after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a warning about a potential threat. The warning that comes amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, suggested Tehran could launch a drone attack on west cities of the country if tensions escalate.
According to ABC News report, the Federal agency recently warned all police departments in California about the drone threat that could come as a retaliatory measure. The alert notified that US officials have come across Iran’s intention to conduct a “surprise attack” using unmanned aerial vehicles from a vessel off the coast of the US Homeland, specifically targeting California. However, it will happen only if the US continues attacking Iran with missiles.
FBI's Alert For California
The alert 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 State Homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event that the US conducted strikes against Iran.”
JUST IN:
— Ashley Zavala (@ZavalaA) March 11, 2026
Gov. Newsom says he’s been aware of apparent threat of Iranian drone strikes on California.
He says he activated the state emergency operations center when war started.
“Drone issues have always been top of mind,” he says. pic.twitter.com/1yfNMnjhHh
“We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack,” the statement added.
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California Governor On Iranian Drone Threat
California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday addressed the threat reports, stating that he is aware of the warning. He said state emergency operations centers were already activated when the conflict started, and he is closely coordinating with security and intelligence officials. Newsom further assured that there are no “imminent threats” at present, and the officials are prepared for any kind of emergency.
"I am in constant coordination with security and intelligence officials, including with California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, to monitor potential threats to California — including those tied to the conflict in the Middle East. While we are not aware of any imminent threats at this time, we remain prepared for any emergency in our state," Newsom wrote in a Facebook post.
Can Iranian Drone Reach California?
California is approximatley 7,100 to 7,800 miles far from Iran. This means any drone would have to be launched from a site much closer to the West Coast than from Iran.
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