# PSYOP?: FBI Warns Of Iran Attack On California

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzhkXuGuAqU
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/HzhkXuGuAqU
Generated: 2026-03-13T12:38:33.339+00:00

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## Quick Overview

The FBI issued an alert warning California police departments that Iran aspired to retaliate for potential US strikes against Iran by launching drones at the West Coast, although the hosts argue this threat is likely exaggerated and potentially manufactured to generate fear and support for ongoing conflict, citing an LAPD source who stated there was no known credible drone threat to LA at the time.

**Key Points:**
- The FBI issued a bulletin warning California police departments about an alleged Iranian aspiration to attack California with drones as retaliation for potential US strikes against Iran.
- The alleged plot involved using unmanned aerial vehicles launched from an unidentified vessel off the US Homeland coast, targeting unspecified locations in California (00:11).
- The alleged information indicated the attack was planned for as early as February 2026, contingent on the US conducting strikes against Iran (00:32).
- One host cited LAPD sources who stated there was no known credible drone threat to LA, suggesting the FBI alert might fall under the general 'death to America' umbrella (01:21).
- The hosts questioned the motive behind publicizing such a threat, suggesting it could be a deliberate tactic to generate fear and anxiety among the American public (03:13, 03:34).
- The discussion contrasted this alleged threat with actual violence against US personnel and assets in the Middle East, which the hosts claim has always been present (04:37).
- A recent poll cited showed a 50/50 split among American Iranians regarding support for the war, indicating that not all members of that community are necessarily aligned with hostile actions (07:41).

![Screenshot at 00:09: The ABC News headline displays prominently: "FBI warns Iran aspired to attack California with drones in retaliation for war: Alert," setting the central topic of the segment.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/HzhkXuGuAqU/00-00-09.jpg)

**Context:** The video features Saagar Enjeti and Krystal Ball on their show 'Breaking Points' discussing a breaking news alert from the FBI, which warned local police departments in California about a potential drone attack planned by Iran. The discussion centers on the credibility of the threat, the timing of the alert relative to ongoing geopolitical conflicts (specifically mentioning Israel and Iran), and the potential political motivations behind publicizing such warnings to influence domestic opinion.

## Detailed Analysis

Saagar Enjeti introduced an ABC News report detailing an FBI bulletin sent to California police departments warning that Iran allegedly aspired to launch a surprise drone attack on California in retaliation for US strikes against Iran, with the attack potentially launched from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the US homeland (00:05-00:42). The alleged information suggested this could happen as early as February 2026 (00:32). However, the hosts immediately cast doubt on the threat's credibility. Saagar cited LAPD sources who told journalist Matt Finn there was no known credible drone threat to LA, suggesting the alert might be part of the general 'death to America' threats (01:21). Krystal Ball argued that issuing such a warning, especially when cartels and other actors are already committing acts of violence, seems like a calculated move to manufacture fear and anxiety in the American public (03:13-03:34). Saagar further pointed out that while Iran has historically attacked US personnel abroad, this specific warning about a domestic drone strike seems manufactured, contrasting it with the lack of similar domestic warnings during the Global War on Terror era (05:13-05:28). Krystal noted that the narrative of Iranian hostility is often used to justify actions, citing previous Israeli attacks on an oil depot in Tehran and ongoing environmental disasters as examples of things the public is distracted from while focusing on this threat (04:57-07:06). Saagar concluded by emphasizing that the hosts are not excusing violence but living in reality, noting that recent polls show Iranian-Americans are split 50/50 on supporting the war, contrary to the media narrative that 90% support hostile action (07:34-07:43).

### FBI Drone Threat Alert

- FBI warned California police of alleged Iranian aspiration to retaliate with drones launched from an unidentified vessel off the West Coast coast (00:09
- 00:37
- 00:41)

### Skepticism and Counter-Evidence

- LAPD sources reported no known credible drone threat to LA; the alert may fall under general 'death to America' threats (01:21
- 01:24)

### Critique of Motive

- Hosts suggest the FBI alert is designed to manufacture fear, anxiety, and support for US military actions, comparing it to past media coverage of violence (03:13
- 03:34
- 04:40)

### Historical Context

- The discussion contrasts the fear generated by this alert with the ongoing, real violence against US personnel in the Middle East, which has always been a factor (04:37
- 04:43)

### Iranian-American Opinion

- A recent poll indicated 50/50 support among Iranian-Americans for the war, challenging the narrative that the community universally supports hostility towards the US (07:41
- 07:50)

![Screenshot at 00:09: The ABC News headline displays prominently: "FBI warns Iran aspired to attack California with drones in retaliation for war: Alert," setting the central topic of the segment.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/HzhkXuGuAqU/00-00-09.jpg)
![Screenshot at 01:21: A tweet from Matt Finn is displayed, citing LAPD sources stating there is no known credible drone threat to LA, directly contradicting the FBI alert's implication.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/HzhkXuGuAqU/00-01-21.jpg)
![Screenshot at 04:17: Krystal Ball argues that publicizing this specific threat creates more danger for US populations and assets than the threat itself might warrant, suggesting manipulation.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/HzhkXuGuAqU/00-04-17.jpg)
![Screenshot at 08:08: The hosts wrap up the segment, thanking the audience and promoting the ad-free full show available via subscription to support independent media.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/HzhkXuGuAqU/00-08-08.jpg)
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