Iranian American Activists Respond to FBI Terror Threat Warning

On March 12, 2026, the FBI issued a warning regarding a potential Iranian drone strike against unspecified targets in California. This alert followed U.S. and Israeli airstrikes that killed Iran's supreme leader in late February 2026. The warning indicated that Iran allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles launched from an unidentified vessel off the U.S. coast, particularly targeting California, which has the highest concentration of Iranian dissidents in the United States, estimated at up to 500,000 individuals.

Iranian American Activists in LA Denounce Terror Threat as 'Wake-Up Call'

Iranian American activists in Los Angeles have characterized the FBI's warning as a "wake-up call" for the nation, emphasizing that the threat is part of a broader narrative involving homeland security. Lisa Daftari, a foreign policy analyst, stated, “I think it’s a great wake-up call to those who believe that this was either a war of choice or a war to distract from other political dealings.” Activists like Arezo Rashidian have expressed determination to continue their protests against the Iranian regime, viewing the threat as a scare tactic aimed at silencing dissent. Rashidian remarked, “This is very targeted to the protesters because we make a lot of noise. We know, we’ve dealt with it before. They’re scare tactics. We’re not intimidated.”

Iranian American Activists in LA Denounce Terror Threat as 'Wake-Up Call'New York PostNBC Los Angeles

Despite the alarming nature of the FBI's warning, five law enforcement sources informed NBC News that there were no specific threats of Iranian drone attacks being planned against California. The intelligence reports, which have been under scrutiny by local, state, and federal agencies, suggest that while the potential for violence exists, the information shared is often raw and unverified. California Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledged the situation, stating that state officials are actively monitoring intelligence channels and collaborating with law enforcement to ensure community safety.

NBC Los AngelesIranian American Activists in LA Denounce Terror Threat as 'Wake-Up Call'New York Post

The Iranian American community perceives the threat as part of the Iranian regime's ongoing propaganda and cyber warfare against the West. Activists are working closely with law enforcement to report any unusual activities to maintain safety within their community. The U.S. Department of Justice has previously indicated that Iran has attempted to carry out acts of violence on U.S. soil, including a murder-for-hire plot against former President Donald Trump and a scheme to assassinate an Iranian-American writer in Brooklyn, New York.

Iranian American Activists in LA Denounce Terror Threat as 'Wake-Up Call'

The FBI has not commented on the specifics of the threat, but the agency's bulletin has prompted heightened vigilance among law enforcement. Governor Newsom's office has stated, “The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is actively working with state, local and federal security officials to protect our communities.”

NBC Los Angeles

• “I think it's a great wake-up call to those who believe that this was either a war of choice or a war to distract from other political dealings.” — Lisa Daftari, Foreign Policy Analyst

Iranian American Activists in LA Denounce Terror Threat as 'Wake-Up Call'

• “We're going to continue to fight.” — Arezo Rashidian, Activist

Iranian American Activists in LA Denounce Terror Threat as 'Wake-Up Call'

• “This is very targeted to the protesters because we make a lot of noise. We know, we’ve dealt with it before. They’re scare tactics. We’re not intimidated.” — Arezo Rashidian, Activist

New York Post

The FBI and local law enforcement agencies will continue to monitor the situation closely, collaborating with the Iranian American community to ensure safety amidst ongoing tensions.

NBC Los Angeles