FBI Alert Says Iran 'Aspired' To Launch Drones Off California Coast
An FBI bulletin said Iran 'allegedly aspired' in early February 2026 to use UAVs from an unidentified vessel off California; officials called the tip unverified and not actionable.
CBS NewsOfficials downplay risk of Iranian drone attacks off California after FBI memo, but Newsom says state is "prepared"
Daily CallerFBI Warned Police Departments Of Potential Iran Strikes
MEDIAiteOfficials Throw Cold Water on FBI Claim That Iran Sought to Attack California With Drones
The Gateway PunditFBI Bulletin Warns California Police Departments of Possible 'Surprise' Iranian Drone Attack | The Gateway Pundit | by Cristina Laila
Overview
A federal memo circulated in late February said Iran 'allegedly aspired' in early February 2026 to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles from an unidentified vessel off California, the bulletin said.
The alert came after U.S. and Israeli strikes inside Iran and amid Iranian retaliatory drone attacks in the Middle East, according to the reporting and law enforcement accounts.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said he activated the state emergency operations center and that state agencies are coordinating with federal partners, his office said.
Multiple U.S. and California officials told reporting the FBI had no information on timing, method, target, or perpetrators and described the tip as unverified and not actionable.
Law enforcement agencies said they remain vigilant, have maintained elevated readiness and continue to monitor global events while the FBI and White House did not immediately comment, the reporting said.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame coverage cautiously, emphasizing uncertainty, official reassurances and technical obstacles to an attack. Through word choices like “hypothetical,” repeated notes of “no confirmed or imminent threat,” selection of intelligence and expert skepticism, and structuring sections on drone limits, they collectively downplay panic while reporting the alert.
FAQ
The FBI bulletin stated that Iran allegedly aspired in early February 2026 to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles from an unidentified vessel off the US coast, specifically against unspecified targets in California, if the US conducted strikes against Iran. It noted no additional information on timing, method, target, or perpetrators.
Multiple US and California officials stated the FBI had no information on timing, method, target, or perpetrators, describing the tip as unverified and not actionable.
Governor Newsom activated the state emergency operations center, and state agencies are coordinating with federal partners to protect communities.
The alert followed US and Israeli strikes inside Iran and amid Iranian retaliatory drone attacks in the Middle East, coinciding with the Trump administration's attacks against Iran.
