Reports suggesting that Iran may be preparing drone attacks on California in retaliation for Operation Epic Fury have been strongly denied by the White House and officials within Donald Trump’s administration.

An FBI alert had warned California law enforcement about a possible threat involving unidentified vessels off the coast launching drones. However, the warning was based on intelligence described as “unverified.” According to ABC News, the alert referenced a potential Iranian plan, but officials say the outlet did not clearly emphasize the uncertainty of the information.

Karoline Leavitt criticized the report, arguing it exaggerated a single unconfirmed tip and unnecessarily alarmed the public. She stated that no credible threat from Iran to the U.S. homeland exists. The original intelligence note itself acknowledged the lack of concrete details, including timing, targets, or responsible actors.

California Governor Gavin Newsom also dismissed the claims, reassuring residents that state and federal agencies are actively monitoring potential risks and maintaining security.

At the same time, the administration is addressing criticism over its messaging surrounding military actions against Iran. Leavitt defended the president’s strategy, outlining objectives such as dismantling Iran’s missile capabilities, weakening its military forces, and preventing nuclear weapon development. She emphasized that counterterrorism efforts remain a central priority.

Some commentators, including Matt Walsh, have questioned inconsistencies in how the administration has described the purpose of the strikes, particularly whether they were preemptive and whether Iran’s nuclear program had already been neutralized.

Overall, officials maintain that recent reports of imminent attacks are based on unverified intelligence and do not reflect an active or credible threat, while broader debates continue over U.S. strategy and communication regarding Iran.