FBI reportedly warns California authorities about Iranian retaliation along West Coast

WASHINGTON (Gray News) - The FBI has reportedly warned authorities in California that Iran could launch drones at the West Coast in retaliation for the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“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,” ABC News reported, citing an alert it received.

The reported warning came as the Trump administration launched its attack against the Islamic Republic.

Iran has been retaliating with drone strikes against targets throughout the region, including attacks on two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, as pressure intensifies on an important oil shipping waterway.

The Iran conflict has widened as it nears the two-week mark since the first Israeli and U.S. strikes.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday it was up to President Donald Trump whether it was the beginning, the middle or the end of the conflict.