The tension of war in the Middle East has just knocked on the door of the United States. The FBI issued an urgent warning to California police departments after obtaining information that Iran “aspired” to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) against targets in the state.
The “ghost ship” of drones
URGENT: Iran could attack Los Angeles, San Francisco and other cities on the West Coast of the United States with Shahed drones that would be launched from unknown ships in the Pacific.
This has been warned by the FBI who has asked the police departments of California… pic.twitter.com/L3VqL2cSbH– Alejandro Rodriguez Carrizosa (@HipotesisPoder) March 11, 2026
According to an intelligence bulletin reviewed by ABC News, Iran’s plan would involve positioning an unidentified vessel off the coast of California to launch the drones from the sea.
“We have no additional information on timing, method or specific targets,” the report admits, but Tehran’s intention to bring “Epic Fury” to U.S. soil is clearer than ever.
The connection with Mexican cartels
In light of current global events, the Department remains at an elevated level of readiness and is maintaining increased vigilance as we continue to protect our residents of Los Angeles County. We are working closely with our federal and local law enforcement partners to share… pic.twitter.com/9M7ggNKYfT
– LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) March 11, 2026
Intelligence officials are also keeping an eye open for what is happening at the border.
A September 2025 report already warned that Mexican cartel leaders may have authorized the use of drones with explosives against U.S. military and police.
John Cohen, former DHS intelligence chief and ABC News contributor, warned that Iran has an extended presence in Mexico and South America.
“They have the relationships, they have the drones, and now they have the incentive to strike,” Cohen said, suggesting that the “sleeper cells” could be activated at any time.
California in a state of readiness
I am in constant coordination with security and intelligence officials, including at @Cal_OES, to monitor potential threats to California – including those tied to the conflict in the Middle East.
While we are not aware of any imminent threats at this time, we remain prepared…
– Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) March 11, 2026
In response to the threat, Governor Gavin Newsom ‘s office reported that they are working with federal authorities to protect communities.
Governor Newsom took to his social media to send a message to Californians.
“I am in constant coordination with security and intelligence officials, including @Cal_OES, to monitor potential threats to California, including those related to the conflict in the Middle East,” the governor tweeted.
“While we are not aware of any imminent threats at this time, we remain prepared for any emergency in our state,” Newsom added.
For its part, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has raised its level of preparedness, increasing patrols at places of worship and cultural centers.
Although the FBI did not specify how these ships would reach shore, the fear that the equipment is already pre-positioned at sea has authorities checking radars every second.
Filed under: Iranian drone alert in California
