FBI warns Iran may target California with kamikaze drones

The FBI has issued a warning to local police departments that Iran could potentially attack California and the US West Coast with kamikaze drones, as the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Tehran continues to escalate. The federal alert reflects growing concern about Iran's ability to project power beyond the Middle East and strike American soil directly.

Conflict context

Israel and the US launched a joint military attack on Iran on Feb. 28, while negotiations between Tehran and Washington were still ongoing. According to Iranian authorities, more than 1,332 people have been killed in the strikes, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and numerous senior officials. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Gulf countries hosting US military assets, including Qatar, the UAE and Bahrain.

Homeland security concerns

The FBI warning suggests US intelligence believes Iran may possess the capability to conduct long-range drone attacks against the American homeland, particularly the West Coast. Kamikaze drones, also known as loitering munitions, can be programmed to strike specific targets after loitering in an area, making them difficult to defend against. California, with its large population and critical infrastructure, could be a potential target in any Iranian retaliation.

Escalating threats

The warning comes as President Donald Trump has declared the US has "won" the war with Iran while vowing to continue operations until the job is finished. Trump claimed US forces have "virtually destroyed Iran" and knocked out 58 Iranian naval ships. However, Iran has demonstrated continued capability to strike regional targets, and the FBI alert indicates concerns about potential attacks reaching US shores.