Gov. Gavin Newsom downplayed the alert, saying he was “not aware of any imminent threats at this time.”
The FBI has warned authorities in California that Iran plans to launch drone strikes from an unidentified vessel off the West Coast, according to an alert reviewed by US media. Local officials, however, are skeptical of the warning, saying it has not been verified.
According to ABC News, the memo was distributed to California departments in recent days, though the contents first appeared publicly on Wednesday.
In early February, the memo warned that Iran “An unidentified ship off the coast of the United States homeland is expected to launch a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles, specifically against unspecified targets in California.” In the event of a US attack against the country.
The bulletin added that federal officials “We do not have any additional information about the timing, method, target or perpetrators of this alleged attack.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom responded to the warning, saying he remained “In constant coordination with security and intelligence authorities” on threats to the state, including those related to the Middle East conflict.
“While we are not aware of any imminent threats at this time, we remain prepared for any emergency in our state.” He wrote in X.
Local officials interviewed by CBS downplayed the memo. One called it “Not active.” Another dismissed it “Not checked.”
“All this means is that we’ve got this information and we want to get it to make sure that law enforcement officials are up to speed on it … there’s nothing more to it.” A third CBS source said.
US President Donald Trump said the government was investigating the statement, but acknowledged he had been briefed on possible Iranian sleeper cells on American soil.
The warning followed massive US and Israeli attacks on Iran that began on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and sparking a regional war. Tehran retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israeli and US military bases in the Gulf.
You can share this story on social media:
