The Digester

California: No imminent Iran threat after FBI alert about possible drone plan

Mar 11th 2026

An FBI warning about an unverified tip of a possible Iran-linked drone attack off the west coast caused alarm, but state and federal officials say there is no credible or imminent threat.

  • The FBI warned local law enforcement of an unverified tip that Iran aspired to use UAVs from an unidentified vessel to strike the US west coast in early February 2026.
  • The alert contained no details on timing, targets, method, or perpetrators.
  • ABC News initially reported the alert without noting it was unverified, which increased public concern.
  • California officials, the FBI, and the White House said there is no credible or imminent threat to the state.
  • Oscars organizers and Los Angeles law enforcement increased security and patrols out of caution.