FBI Memo Warns of Unverified Iran Drone Threat

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a memo last week, distributed by its Los Angeles office to local law enforcement, indicating an unverified aspiration by Iran to conduct a surprise drone attack off the California coast. This information, which surfaced prior to the recent U.S.-Iran conflict, alleged Iran's intent to use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from an unidentified vessel against unspecified targets in California, contingent on U.S. strikes against Iran. However, multiple U.S. and California law enforcement and intelligence officials have downplayed the immediate threat, stating there is no known, specific, or actionable intelligence underpinning the memo.

California Governor Gavin Newsom affirmed the state's preparedness while noting no awareness of imminent threats. Federal law enforcement officials characterized the intelligence as "unverified" and lacking details on "timing, method, target, or perpetrators." The FBI regularly shares intelligence with partners to ensure awareness of the broader threat landscape, and this memo is considered part of standard procedure rather than an indication of an imminent attack. The Los Angeles Police Department also stated no known or specific threats to the city.

The memo's release coincided with heightened tensions following U.S. and Israeli conflict with Iran, prompting concerns about potential retaliation on American soil. Iran possesses a diverse arsenal of drones, including Shahed-136 "kamikaze" drones, and has used them in recent retaliatory strikes on U.S. military bases in the Middle East.