Khaberni - "ABC" network reported on Wednesday that it had learned of an alert from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation "FBI" warning police in California that Iran might respond to the U.S. attacks by deploying drones towards the West Coast of the United States, which includes the state.
"ABC" said it obtained information "indicating that as of early February this year Iran seemed to be planning a surprise attack using drones launched from an unidentified ship off the U.S. coasts targeting unspecified locations in California in the event that Washington launched strikes against Iran."
"ABC" network mentioned that it does not have further information concerning the timing, method, targets, or the perpetrators of this possible attack.
This warning comes concurrently with the commencement of the ongoing assault by the Trump administration and Israel on the Islamic Republic. In response, Iran retaliated by launching drone strikes on targets across the Middle East.
According to the American network, a spokeswoman for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Los Angeles declined to comment, and the White House did not respond to a request for comment either.
While the FBI warning did not specify how or when ships carrying assault drones would approach the U.S. mainland, intelligence officials have long been concerned about the possibility of equipment being pre-positioned, either on land or aboard ships at sea, in anticipation of an Israeli or U.S. attack on Iran.
Intelligence Concerns
The network mentioned that U.S. intelligence officials' concerns have increased in recent months regarding the expansion of drone usage by Mexican drug cartels, and the potential use of this technology to attack U.S. forces and personnel near the Mexican border.
According to a bulletin issued in September 2025 that the network reviewed, "an unconfirmed report indicated that unidentified leaders of Mexican drug cartels had authorized attacks using drones carrying explosives against U.S. law enforcement and military personnel along the U.S.-Mexico border."
The bulletin added, "Such attacks against American individuals or interests within the United States would be unprecedented, but they represent a potential scenario, although cartels typically avoid any actions that might attract the attention of U.S. authorities or provoke a response from them."
John Cohen, former chief of intelligence at the Department of Homeland Security, said he is "concerned about the potential for a drone war from both the Pacific and Mexico."
Cohen stated, "We know that Iran has a significant presence in Mexico and South America, they have relationships, possess drones, and now have the motive to launch attacks."
Cohen believes that "it is wise for the FBI to issue this warning so that states and local authorities can better prepare and counter these types of threats. Information like this is extremely crucial for law enforcement agencies."
