Iran’s Drone Threats to California Considered Unfounded, Yet Still Under Review After U.S. Strikes
No Credible Threats of Iranian Drone Attacks on California, Authorities Say
Multiple law enforcement sources have informed NBC News that there are currently no specific or credible threats regarding Iranian drone attacks targeting California. This comes after reports emerged about Iran allegedly planning drone bombings in response to U.S. military strikes initiated last week.
According to five sources familiar with the situation, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are scrutinizing various intelligence reports. Officials are concerned that attacks on Iran could incite violence, or that agents from Iran may be directed to carry out terrorist acts.
Authorities are considering multiple potential scenarios, which may include using improvised explosive devices or drones. This type of intelligence often circulates in bulletins containing unverified information, one source elaborated.
The possible drone attack scenario reported stemmed from an FBI bulletin distributed to law enforcement agencies in late February. The FBI’s Los Angeles office did not offer any comments on the matter.
Governor Gavin Newsom indicated that state officials are closely monitoring intelligence channels and are engaged in information sharing with local police. He acknowledged awareness of the media reports during a unrelated news conference. “Drone issues have been always top of mind, and we’ve assembled work groups specifically around those concerns,” he stated.
His office emphasized that the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is actively collaborating with state, local, and federal security officials to ensure the safety of communities.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice has noted that Iran has previously attempted acts of violence on American soil, including a murder-for-hire plot against former President Trump in late 2024 and an assassination scheme targeting an Iranian-American writer in Brooklyn, New York.
