FBI warns of possible Iran drone threat to US West coast

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reportedly warned police departments in California at the end of February that Iran could send drones to the U.S. West Coast in retaliation for potential American attacks.

According to a report by ABC News, a warning message sent by the FBI to California police departments in late February was reviewed, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

The message allegedly stated that, based on information obtained by the FBI earlier in February, if the United States were to attack Iran, Tehran might launch drone attacks from an unidentified ship near the California coast.

The report added that there was no additional information about when, how, or by whom the alleged attack might be carried out.

The office of California Governor Gavin Newsom said the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is actively working with state, local and federal security authorities to protect the public.

In a statement, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said it remains on a high level of preparedness in light of current global developments.

“Out of an abundance of caution and considering ongoing religious events, the Department continues to increase patrols around houses of worship, cultural institutions and other key locations across the county,” the statement said.

U.S.–Israel attacks on Iran

Israel and the United States launched a military attack on Iran on February 28, while negotiations between Tehran and Washington were still ongoing.

Iran responded with attacks not only on Israel but also on targets in several regional countries hosting U.S. bases, particularly Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

During the U.S.–Israel attacks, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and many senior officials were reportedly killed.

According to Iranian authorities, the death toll from the U.S.–Israel attacks has reached 1,348, while the number of wounded has exceeded 17,000.