Iran was allegedly plotting a “surprise” terror attack on California in retaliation for US strikes, the FBI has warned.
The FBI issued a warning to police departments in California that Iran “allegedly aspired” to launch drones at the state last month.
“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 State Homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event that the US conducted strikes against Iran,” the FBI said in an alert, as per ABC News.
“We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack.”
It is not clear why Tehran was looking to target the state.
In a post on X on Wednesday, US time, California Governor Gavin said he is in “constant coordination with security and intelligence officials” 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 for any emergency in our state,” he wrote.
It comes as Donald Trump said on Wednesday he was not worried about Iran-backed attacks on US soil.
When asked if he was concerned about attacks, the US President told reporters: “No, I’m not.”
Iran has carried out retaliatory attacks across the Middle East in response to Israel and the US’ joint February 28 strikes, which killed Iran’s former Supreme Leader.
A threat assessment produced last month by the by the Office of Intelligence and Analysis at the Department of Homeland Security said Iran and its proxies “probably” pose a threat of targeted attacks on the US, although a large-scale physical attack was unlikely.
Footage released by Iranian state-affiliated Fars News Agency earlier this month purports to show Iran’s vast underground stockpile of attack drones.
The propaganda video shows rows of drones lined up in the underground tunnels which are decorated with Iranian flags.
US warns civilians to steer clear of ports
The US military on Wednesday warned civilians to avoid ports used by Iran along the Strait of Hormuz – a key waterway where one fifth of the world’s oil supply transits.
“CENTCOM urges civilians in Iran to immediately avoid all port facilities where Iranian naval forces are operating. Iranian dockworkers, administrative personnel and commercial vessel crews should avoid Iranian naval vessels and military equipment,” U.S. Central Command (Centcom) wrote in a statement.
“Although the U.S. military also cannot guarantee civilian safety in or near facilities used by the Iranian regime for military purposes, American forces will continue taking every feasible precaution to minimize harm to civilians.”
At least three vessels were attacked along the straight on Wednesday, including the Thai bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
Pictures released by the Royal Thai navy show black smoke billowing from the ship after a projectile sparked a fire on-board.
Oman’s navy rescued 20 crew members, with efforts underway to find the remaining three crew.
Iran said it had struck two ships in the Gulf because they had entered the Strait of Hormuz “after ignoring the warnings” of its navy, AFP reports.
IRGC naval commander Alireza Tangsiri said in a social media post that “any vessel intending to pass must get permission from Iran”.