California could be attacked by drones because of Iran war, memo warns. Officials downplay threat

"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, in the event that the US conducted strikes against Iran."

"A source with knowledge of the memo who was not authorized to discuss it publicly said the warning was issued based on intelligence received by the U.S. Coast Guard. Law enforcement sources experienced in intelligence said such alerts are cautionary in nature."

"The sources stressed the warning was cautionary and there was no indication Iran was planning an attack or that it could successfully launch one."

California law enforcement agencies received a memo warning of potential Iranian drone attacks from unmanned aerial vehicles off the U.S. coast targeting unspecified California locations, contingent on U.S. strikes against Iran. The warning, issued through federal Joint Terrorism Task Force channels, was based on intelligence acquired by the U.S. Coast Guard as of early February 2026. However, sources with counter-terrorism expertise confirmed the alert lacks credible intelligence support and was issued as a precautionary measure. Officials emphasized no indication exists that Iran plans an attack or possesses capability to execute one successfully. The warning nonetheless influenced existing security strategies implemented by local and national authorities following the onset of the war.

Read at Los Angeles Times