© Image generated by AI at the request of ZN.UA Specialists express concerns over a potential “drone conflict”.
As reported by ABC News, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has cautioned law enforcement agencies in California regarding a possible Iranian response to US military actions involving the deployment of drones along the US West Coast.
The warning, which surfaced in late February, indicated, “We’ve recently obtained information suggesting that as of early February 2026, Iran was allegedly contemplating a surprise assault utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles launched from an unidentified maritime vessel off the US coast, potentially targeting unspecified locations within California, contingent upon a US strike against Iran.”
“We possess no further details concerning the specific timing, methodology, objectives, or individuals responsible for this purported attack,” the document declared.
This advisory emerges amidst military measures initiated by the Trump administration against the Islamic Republic, prompting retaliatory drone operations by Iran targeting locations in the Middle East.
Furthermore, US intelligence services have been increasingly concerned recently by the amplified utilization of drones by Mexican drug cartels, alongside the prospect of employing this technology to engage American military and security personnel near the US border.
According to a summary from September 2025, also examined by ABC News, “An unverified report suggested that unnamed leaders within Mexican cartels had sanctioned attacks involving drones carrying explosives aimed at US law enforcement and military forces stationed along the US-Mexico border.”
“Although cartels typically shun actions that risk attracting undue scrutiny or inciting a forceful reaction from American authorities, this type of assault directed at American personnel or interests on US territory would represent an unprecedented scenario, but it highlights a feasible possibility.”
ABC News security analyst John Cohen, previously intelligence chief for the US Department of Homeland Security, voiced his apprehension regarding a potential “drone conflict” originating from both the Pacific and Mexican borders.
Cohen stated, “We are aware of Iran’s substantial presence in Mexico and South America, their established networks, access to drones, and now, a motive for executing attacks.”
“The FBI acted appropriately by issuing this alert, enabling state and local authorities to enhance their preparedness and response capabilities to such threats. This category of data is fundamentally vital for law enforcement.”
Although the FBI advisory does not specify precisely how or when vessels with drones could approach the US mainland, intelligence personnel have long worried that the gear might be pre-staged—both on land and on seagoing ships—in the event of Israeli or US strikes against Iran.
During a classified briefing held last week, Trump administration officials affirmed that Iran’s Shahed strike drones present a significant challenge, and that American air defenses will not be capable of intercepting them all.
Approximately seven months ago, Ukrainian officials attempted to market their battle-tested technology for intercepting Iranian-manufactured drones to the United States, but the US declined at the time, according to Axios.