Kat Piantka | Editor-in-Chief
March 13, 2026
In the past few days, the FBI has warned California police departments and government officials that Iran may launch drone attacks on the West Coast as a result of America’s Operation Epic Fury on February 28. However, this is not a new threat, it just has finally been released to the public.
ABC News cited an alert from the FBI which stated that they “recently acquired information that as of early February 2026, Iran allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United States Homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event that the US conducted strikes against Iran.”
Therefore, the US’s support of Iraq in the bombing of Iran has placed innocent California citizens at risk. Despite our fears of what could be our impending doom, there is “no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack.”
Governor Gavin Newsom shared on a virtual news conference that he is aware of the Iran air threats that have been posed to California, and he is working with the authorities to prepare and protect California citizens in the event we are bombed. The Governor’s office is working alongside federal, state, and local security officials which is resulting in an elevated sense of readiness.
There is also concern that Mexico and South America could play a role in the bombing as the Mexican drug cartel has expanded their use of drones and technology in recent months. Iran also maintains an extensive presence in Mexico and South America. But now Iran has the incentive, technology, and neighboring allies to help them fulfill this threat upon the West Coast.
So now US citizens, specifically Californians, are concerned that we could be bombed. Not only is San Clemente along the coast but we neighbor Camp Pendleton which is the major West Coast base of the US Marine Corps, and is one of the largest in the United States. This base could also be at risk of being bombed due to Iran’s desire for revenge on the military for their Operation Epic Fury in late February.
However, the President shared on Wednesday that he is not concerned about a terrorist attack on the West Coast. But, California citizens and SCHS students alike are very worried; Who wouldn’t be?
Junior Addison Carey, who lives on base, shared her fears towards the news especially since her parents work at Camp Pendleton. Carey stated that “having to complete daily tasks and routine as normal is very unsettling as our lives could change forever in a matter of seconds.” This is a sentiment that many California residents can relate to as they have to continue to carry on with their lives as they are completely unaware of what is and could be happening.
Senior Santana DelCastillo expressed that “the thought of being in war was already really scary and then saying that we might get bombed is even scarier. [He] hope[s] that nothing bad happens and that [he] doesn’t get drafted.”
This is an impending case, and before we know more information on the severity of the threat Americans and California citizens will continue to remain on edge for what could happen next in this ongoing war with Iran.
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