SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — The FBI has warned police departments in California that Iran aspires to retaliate for American attacks by launching offensive drones against the West Coast, according to an alert reviewed by ABC News. Over the years, ABC7 Eyewitness News has reported on other alerts from the FBI that said the Bay Area could be a target for terrorists. This new alert is the first we’ve seen to mention the potential use of drones.

The FBI alert sent to the California police departments reads, “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.”

FBI warns Iran aspired to attack California with drones in retaliation for war: Alert

With the U.S. bombing campaign of Iran now in its twelfth day, Iran has used drones to attack American facilities and allies in the region, but the FBI alert says they “have no additional information on the timing, method, target or perpetrators of this alleged attack” on California.

California Governor Gavin Newsom activated a state emergency operations center when the war started to monitor risks to California. During a webinar on another issue on Wednesday, the governor spoke about the FBI drone alert.

“We are aware of that information, and we transfer that information, in real time, to our local partners,” Newsom said. “Drone issues have always been top of mind. And we’ve assembled some work groups specifically around those concerns.”

When pressed about whether he is concerned about the possibility of a domestic terror attack in the U.S. that is backed by Iran, President Donald Trump said he is “not.”

“This is extremely alarming,” said Elizabeth Neumann, ABC News National Security Contributor. “We know that Iran’s approach to combating the United States and Israel is through asymmetric warfare. They cannot take us on militarily.”

Neumann worked for the Department of Homeland Security in counterterrorism during the first Trump administration, and she explains why an alert about drones potentially coming from the ocean would go to local police departments.

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“State and local law enforcement are our eyes and ears on the ground, so alerting them for suspicious behavior or anything that looks out of the ordinary is an important tool to be able to help the rest of the federal government’s protective measures,” said Neumann.

East Bay Congressman Mark DeSaulnier is highly critical of the U.S. bombing of Iran, and we spoke about the idea of a drone attack in California.

“Living in such, odd and stressful times, you have to take all of this seriously, but you also have to take it with a grain of salt,” DeSaulnier said. “Should we be concerned? Absolutely. But we’ve got to go about our business and our day, take care of our families and our jobs and our communities, while we’re concerned about the international situation.”

Late Wednesday, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie commented on the FBI drone alert.

“We have been in constant communication with our state and federal partners who have assured us there are no imminent threats to us here in San Francisco,” said Lurie.

ABC7 checked with police and sheriff’s departments around the Bay Area, who say they are in constant contact with their state and federal partners. They also told us there is no specific intelligence indicating any threat to the Bay Area.

Oakland Police Department

We have spoken with our federal partners, who informed us that there may be a heightened risk due to the conflict in the Middle East. To ensure the safety of our community, we are maintaining close contact with local, state, and federal law enforcement. OPD will keep monitoring the situation and determine if there is a need to increase police presence.

San Francisco Police Department

The SFPD is always ready to respond to any emergency that may occur in San Francisco, and we are closely monitoring events in the Middle East and around the world. We’re in communication and working closely with our local, state and federal partners.

San Jose Police Department

SJPD works closely with our federal partners to stay informed about potential threats and intelligence that may impact our region. As a matter of practice, we do not comment on specific intelligence or alerts. At this time, there is no known threat to our community.