California law enforcement agencies were recently alerted to a potential threat of drone attacks from Iran, according to a memo circulated among federal Joint Terrorism Task Force members. While the warning detailed a possible scenario involving unmanned aerial vehicles launched from an unidentified vessel, officials are downplaying the credibility of the intelligence, stating there is no current indication of an imminent attack.
The memo, dated early February 2026, indicated that Iran “allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United States Homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event that the US conducted strikes against Iran.” The alert originated from intelligence received by the U.S. Coast Guard, according to a source familiar with the matter who was not authorized to speak publicly. Law enforcement sources with counterterrorism experience emphasized the cautionary nature of the warning, stating it has not been deemed credible at this time.
The alert comes amid heightened tensions following recent strikes by the U.S. And Israel on Iranian targets, beginning on February 28, 2026. In response, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Homeland Security Division has increased its security posture, though specific details remain confidential. “While we can’t discuss sensitive details, Californians should know that this kind of coordination happens every day to keep people safe,” a spokesperson for the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services said in a statement. “California is prepared to protect its communities, and we’ll continue working closely with our federal partners.”
FBI and Local Authorities Respond
The FBI declined to comment on the memo when contacted. Yet, Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed that his office is aware of the reports and has shared the information with local partners. “Drone issues have been top of mind and we’ve assembled some operate groups specifically around those concerns,” Newsom said, adding that he has not yet discussed the potential threat with President Trump. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department stated it is operating at an “elevated level of readiness and is maintaining increased vigilance,” but did not comment directly on the memo’s contents.
Officials stressed that the memo was one of many daily intelligence updates distributed to law enforcement and emergency response agencies. The warning, while raising concerns, has not prompted a significant shift in security protocols beyond existing elevated readiness levels. Sources indicate that such alerts are common practice, serving as a proactive measure to prepare for a range of potential threats.
Context of Rising Tensions
The potential threat from Iran follows a period of escalating conflict in the Middle East. Recent reports have indicated that approximately 140 U.S. Troops have been wounded in strikes against Iran, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The memo highlights California as a potential target, though the reasoning behind this focus remains unclear. California is home to an estimated up to 500,000 Iranian dissidents, raising the possibility that this population may be a factor in any potential targeting.
Despite the alert, multiple law enforcement sources have indicated that there is no specific, credible threat of an imminent Iranian drone attack against California, as reported by NBC Los Angeles. The information contained in the memo is considered “raw” and unvetted, representing a potential scenario rather than a confirmed plan.
The situation remains fluid, and authorities continue to monitor intelligence reports closely. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services emphasized the ongoing collaboration between state, local, and federal agencies to ensure public safety. As the conflict in the Middle East continues, vigilance and information sharing will remain critical in assessing and mitigating potential threats to the state.
Looking ahead, the focus will remain on continued intelligence gathering and analysis to determine the validity of the initial warning. Authorities will likely maintain an elevated security posture in California, while simultaneously working to reassure the public that there is no immediate cause for alarm. Further developments in the U.S.-Iran conflict will undoubtedly influence the level of preparedness and response strategies in the coming weeks.
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