Is an Iranian drone attack in California really possible?

California Governor Gavin Newsom sought to reassure residents after reports revealed that a federal intelligence bulletin warned of a potential Iranian drone attack targeting the state. Speaking publicly after the memo circulated among law enforcement agencies, Newsom emphasized that authorities had not identified any imminent threat to Californians.

The alert, issued by the FBI to federal, state and local agencies, suggested Iran had explored the possibility of launching a retaliatory attack on U.S. soil. While the memo raised concern among officials, Newsom stressed that the information remained preliminary and precautionary, adding that California was coordinating closely with federal security agencies responsible for monitoring national threats.

The FBI bulletin, distributed to law enforcement partners, described intelligence indicating that Iranian actors had discussed the possibility of targeting California with unmanned aerial vehicles launched from a vessel positioned off the West Coast.

According to the memo, investigators warned that:

«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.»

The document also cautioned that intelligence remained limited. Officials added that:

«We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack.»

Newsom addressed the situation shortly after the memo became public, emphasizing that state authorities had already been aware of the intelligence warning through federal coordination channels. The governor said California continues to monitor developments while working with national security agencies.

«Drone issues have been top of mind,» Newsom said when asked about the alert.

He added that state officials were «working collaboratively with the State Operations Center and our federal partners» to review any possible threats. Newsom also reassured residents that officials had not identified any immediate risk tied to the information contained in the federal memo.

Local law enforcement agencies across California confirmed they had received the FBI bulletin as part of standard intelligence-sharing procedures used to warn authorities about potential threats. Police departments and regional security officials said the memo did not identify specific targets within the state.

Nevertheless, some facilities increased precautionary measures while monitoring developments. Military installations, transportation hubs and major public venues are routinely included in such security assessments, and authorities noted that the alert was being treated as part of ongoing vigilance rather than a confirmed operational threat.

The warning emerged amid escalating tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran following a series of strikes carried out in recent weeks across several locations in Iran.

While some of the operations targeted military infrastructure and facilities linked to Iran’s defense and nuclear programs, Iranian authorities and regional media reported that civilian areas were also affected.

Among the incidents cited by Iranian officials were strikes that damaged residential zones and a school, where children were reportedly killed. The events intensified international concern and further raised the risk of retaliation against American or allied interests.

Iranian leaders have repeatedly condemned the strikes and warned that retaliation would follow. Officials in Tehran described the military operations as aggression and pledged that the United States and its allies would face consequences. Analysts say Iran has historically relied on asymmetric responses, including cyber operations, proxy militias and indirect attacks against Western interests.

U.S. intelligence agencies continue to monitor the possibility of retaliatory actions, including scenarios involving drones or maritime platforms. For now, American authorities emphasize that the FBI memo reflects a potential scenario under observation rather than evidence of an imminent or active attack plan targeting California.