WASHINGTON / LOS ANGELES — Federal law enforcement has placed California police departments on high alert following intelligence that Iran has considered launching retaliatory drone strikes against the U.S. mainland. According to an FBI bulletin reviewed on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, authorities acquired information indicating that Tehran “aspired” to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched from unidentified vessels positioned off the West Coast.
The alert, which was distributed to local and state agencies in late February, surfaces as the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran enters its twelfth day.
The Offshore Threat Profile
The intelligence bulletin details a specific, albeit uncorroborated, tactical scenario designed to bypass traditional border defenses.
- Vessel-Based Launch: The FBI warned that Iranian operatives might use commercial or unidentified ships in international waters as mobile launch platforms for explosive-laden drones.
- Geographic Target: While the alert did not name specific landmarks, it identified California as the primary focus for these aspirational strikes.
- Retaliation Trigger: Officials noted that the plot was conceived as a direct response to the ongoing U.S. and Israeli bombardment of Iranian military and energy infrastructure.
“Cautionary” Intelligence
Despite the gravity of the warning, federal officials have moved to temper public alarm. An FBI spokesperson noted that while the information was credible enough to warrant a law enforcement bulletin, there is currently “no additional information on the timing, method, or specific perpetrators” of the alleged plot.
Counter-terrorism experts at the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) characterized the alert as “cautionary,” intended to ensure local police remain vigilant for unusual maritime activity. “This is about situational awareness,” one official stated. “It allows local departments to better prepare and respond to non-traditional threats that originate from the Pacific.”
Trump: “I Am Not Worried”
Addressing the reports at the White House on Wednesday, President Donald Trump downplayed the possibility of a successful strike on American soil. When asked by reporters if he feared Iranian retaliation reaching the West Coast, the President responded, “No, I’m not. We have the best defenses in the world, and we’ve decimated their ability to even think that far.”
The President’s confidence comes as the Pentagon reports that Iran’s conventional navy and air force have been “rendered largely ineffective” by the initial waves of Operation Epic Fury.
A Two-Front Drone Concern
The FBI alert also highlighted a secondary concern regarding the proliferation of drone technology. U.S. intelligence has reportedly observed an uptick in Mexican drug cartels authorizing the use of explosive drones near the Southern border.
- The Cartel Factor: A separate September 2025 bulletin suggested cartels might use UAVs to target U.S. law enforcement or military personnel along the U.S.-Mexico border.
- The Fusion Risk: Former intelligence officials warned that Iran’s established presence in South and Central America could provide a “logistical bridge” for transferring sophisticated drone tech to non-state actors near the U.S. border.
California’s Response
In major hubs like Los Angeles and Oakland, police officials confirmed they are maintaining close contact with federal partners. “We are aware of the heightened risk due to the Middle East conflict,” an Oakland Police Department spokesperson said. “Our priority remains the safety of our community through constant communication with the FBI.”
Iranian Drone Picture on Wikimedia by Mostafa Tehrani
