Iran could attack US west coast with drones: Which state may be at risk
Illustrative photo: an Iranian Shahed drone (defence-ua.com)
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has warned law enforcement agencies in California about a potential threat from Iran. Tehran could use drones to attack the US West Coast in response to actions by the American administration, ABC News reports.
An internal FBI warning says Iran is considering launching drones from unidentified vessels operating near the US coastline. Intelligence reports indicate that as of February 2026, Tehran was planning a potential surprise strike on targets in California in the event of a direct US attack on Iranian territory.
"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. We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack," the document from the intelligence agency states.
Security experts are concerned that drones could be launched either from the Pacific Ocean or from the territory of Mexico. Former head of intelligence for the Department of Homeland Security, John Cohen, noted that Iran has a significant presence and established connections in Mexico and South America.
Intelligence officials have long warned that Iranian equipment for potential attacks could be pre-positioned on civilian vessels or on land near US borders in case of escalation.
Meanwhile, US media have reported that while preparing the Middle East operation, US President Donald Trump underestimated Iran—an error that analysts say became his main miscalculation. Tehran responded much more aggressively than expected and blocked one of the world’s key oil routes.
Due to the war in Iran, oil prices have surpassed $100 per barrel for the first time since 2022. Brent crude reached $104, marking an increase of more than 15%.
During the first two days of the war, the United States spent $5.6 billion on munitions—far more than originally planned. Iran may also have mined the Strait of Hormuz.
