The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warned California police that Iran could retaliate for American attacks by launching drones against targets on the US West Coast, American media report.

The warning came as the Trump administration launched strikes on the Islamic Republic of Iran. Iran responded with drone attacks on targets across the Middle East.

According to a bulletin distributed in late February: "We have received information indicating that in early February 2026, Iran allegedly intended to carry out a surprise drone attack from an unknown vessel near the US coast, specifically targeting unspecified targets in California, if the US carried out attacks on Iran."

The FBI Los Angeles spokesperson declined to comment. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The US intelligence community is expressing growing concern over the increasing use of drone technology by Mexican cartels.