California Governor Gavin Newsom stated there is no "imminent threat" to the state following reports of an FBI memo detailing unverified claims of potential Iranian-affiliated drone attacks. The memo, reportedly sent in early February 2026, suggested Iran aspired to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles from an unidentified vessel off the U.S. coast, specifically targeting California if the U.S. struck Iran. Federal officials, including the FBI and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, emphasized the information was unverified and that no such threat exists. Law enforcement agencies, such as the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, have increased patrols out of an abundance of caution, particularly around major events like the Academy Awards, while officials assure the public that robust threat detection and response capabilities are in place.