FBI warns California of Iran’s ‘aspiration’ to strike California with drones, Gavin Newsom responds

Iran’s aspiration to conduct a surprise drone strike on the United States has been revealed, with the FBI urgently warning local law enforcement over the threat.

The shocking intelligence was reportedly obtained by officials in the hours before US President Donald Trump directed the commencement of Operation Epic Fury in late February, something that may have played a part in his decision to strike first.

Mr Trump has said he “believed” Iran was about to conduct strikes on the US before he approved the US-Israeli military action on Iran, with the FBI’s move marking the first proof of his claim.

US news network ABC reported that they reviewed a report that was sent from the FBI.

Anchor Kyra Phillips from ABC News Live said the report claimed: “We recently acquired information that as of early February 2026, Iran allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United State Homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event that the US conducted strikes against Iran.”

The information was obtained through an alert distributed by the FBI at the end of February, the outlet said.

“We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack.”

The FBI has declined to comment on the matter, despite multiple requests from the media.

The White House has not commented on the alleged Iranian plan yet.

California Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed his Government was warned.

At a press conference, Mr Newsom said: “We’ve been aware of that information.

“Drone issues have always been top of mind and we have assembled work groups around those concerns.

“That’s all I’ll share at the moment.”

Despite the US President’s actions against Iran, who were allegedly planning to strike California according to US intelligence, Mr Newsom was critical of Mr Trump.

“I haven’t talked to the president directly about this (the war and oil prices) and I wish the president would talk to the American people about what this is all about, what’s the end game?” Newsom said.

“We’ve seen no real end game in sight when it comes to the Strait of Hormuz.”

On X, he added: “I am in constant coordination with security and intelligence officials, including at @Cal_OES, to monitor potential threats to California — including those tied to the conflict in the Middle East.”

“While we are not aware of any imminent threats at this time, we remain prepared for any emergency in our state.”