U.S. federal authorities have warned law enforcement agencies in California about a potential retaliatory threat from Iran involving unmanned aerial vehicles launched toward the American West Coast.

According to an alert reviewed by ABC News, the Federal Bureau of Investigation recently notified police departments that Iran had allegedly considered the possibility of launching drones from an unidentified vessel positioned off the U.S. coastline. The potential targets were described as unspecified locations in California.

The warning, distributed to law enforcement agencies at the end of February, said intelligence suggested Iran could attempt a surprise attack if the United States carried out military strikes against the country.

“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 States homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California,” the alert stated.

Authorities noted that the intelligence did not include details about timing, specific targets, methods, or individuals involved in the potential operation.

Heightened tensions following U.S. strikes

The warning comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran after the Trump administration launched a series of military strikes against Iranian targets.

Iran has since carried out retaliatory drone attacks against locations across the Middle East, raising concerns among U.S. security officials about possible responses beyond the region.

While officials stressed that the intelligence does not confirm an imminent attack, federal authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and share information with state and local agencies.