Reports of Iran drone threats against California ‘not credible,' but considered following U.S. strikes
Mar 11, 2026
There were no specific threats of Iranian drone attacks being planned against California, five law enforcement sources familiar with the reports told NBC News Wednesday, following other media reports that Iran sought to bombard California with drones launched from a ship offshore in retaliation for
the U.S. military strikes that began last week.
Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies have been examining a variety of intelligence reports in recent days out of concern the attacks on Iran could inspire violence, or that Iran itself could direct its agents to commit terrorist acts, the sources said.
Many scenarios have been considered, including the use of improvised explosive devices, drones, or other technology, and this type of information is often shared in bulletins that contain ‘raw’ information that hasn’t been vetted.
The information about a drone attack scenario was attributed to an FBI bulletin sent to law enforcement in late February.
The FBI in Los Angeles declined to comment.
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Gov. Gavin Newsom said state officials have been monitoring intelligence channels and sharing information with local police, and said he was familiar with the media reports.
“Drone issues have been always top of mind, and we’ve assembled work groups specifically around those concerns,” he said during an unrelated news conference Wednesday.
His office emailed, “The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is actively working with state, local and federal security officials to protect our communities.”
The US Department of Justice has said Iran has attempted to carry out acts of violence on US soil, including a murder-for-hire plot against President Trump in late 2024, and a scheme to assassinate an Iranian-American writer in Brooklyn, New York.
In response to inquiries about the threat report both the LAPD and LA County Sheriff’s Departments sent statements, though the agencies made no references to drones or Iran.
“In light of current global events, the Department remains at an elevated level of readiness and is maintaining increased vigilance as we continue to protect our residents of Los Angeles County,” the Sheriff’s Department said.
“We are working closely with our federal and local law enforcement partners to share intelligence and monitor the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and assess any potential impacts in our communities.”
The LAPD said it’s in constant contact with other local and federal law enforcement agencies in order to exchange information on potential threats.
“We share this information in real time, assess every credible lead, and adjust our posture as needed to ensure the safety of our City,” the LAPD wrote.
“At this time, there are no known or specific threats to Los Angeles,” the Department said.
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