By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• The FBI has issued a warning to California law enforcement about a possible Iranian drone threat to the U.S. West Coast.
• An FBI bulletin said Iran “allegedly aspired” to use unmanned aerial vehicles from an offshore vessel against unspecified California targets.
• The alert was distributed to local police departments in late February 2026.
• Authorities stated there is no additional information on timing, specific targets, or methods.
• California officials are sharing information with federal partners as part of preparedness efforts.
SACRAMENTO, CA — The Federal Bureau of Investigation has warned police departments in California that Iran could pose a drone-based threat to the U.S. West Coast, according to a federal bulletin reviewed by news outlets.
The alert, distributed to local law enforcement at the end of February 2026, said authorities had information indicating that 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.”
Officials noted the bulletin did not include details on potential timing, the method of attack, specific targets, or the identity of possible perpetrators.
California Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledged awareness of the warning and said the state Office of Emergency Services is working with local and federal agencies to disseminate information and support preparedness.
Law enforcement agencies are reviewing preparedness plans amid broader tensions related to international hostilities, but authorities have not indicated any confirmed or imminent threat.
The FBI has not released the full text of the bulletin publicly, and spokespeople have declined to comment on the specifics of the intelligence.