The FBI recently warned California police departments of a possible drone attack on the coast by Iran following the ongoing war.
“We recently acquired unverified information that as of early February 2026, Iran allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United States homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event the U.S. conducted strikes against Iran. We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack,” said the statement released in late February, which was reported by ABC News on March 11.
This threat is currently being investigated and monitored by U.S. officials at the federal, state, and local levels.
“It’s all about a posture of preparedness for worst-case scenarios,” said California Gov. Gavin Newsom. “Again, it’s not a surprise, and it’s sort of part of the larger spectrum of considerations that we have as it relates to doing what we can to support our federal partners and local partners at the state level in terms of what could happen next. The questions are in abundance at the moment of what can happen next.”
Since Iran has made no real statement, officials are only preparing for this possibility, seeing no “imminent threat.”
“[Y]ou have a lot of things happening, and all we can do is take them as they come, and the war itself is being prosecuted as well as anybody has ever seen,” said President Donald Trump at Joint Base Andrews, Md.
On March 11, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department released a statement about the precautions they are taking.
“Out of an abundance of caution, and in recognition of current religious observances, the Department has continued increased patrols around places of worship, cultural institutions, and other prominent locations throughout the County,” said the Sheriff’s Department.
The U.S. and Israel have been at war with Iran since Feb. 28, when they assassinated Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several other leaders during a planned attack.
“The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World…BUT, of far greater interest and importance to me, as President, is stopping an evil Empire, Iran, from having Nuclear Weapons, and destroying the Middle East and, indeed, the World,” said Trump on his social media platform, Truth Social, on March 12. “I won’t ever let that happen!”
If you notice any dangerous or suspicious activity, the LA County Sheriff’s Department has numerous ways to report it through Crime Stoppers, a nonprofit organization that accepts anonymous tips. Either call the number (800) 222-8477, download the P3 Tips app, or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.
