The White House has pushed back strongly against media reports suggesting that federal authorities warned of a potential Iranian threat to California, saying the information cited in the coverage was based on a single unverified tip and did not represent a credible security risk.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded after an FBI bulletin circulated among law-enforcement agencies became public, stating that the alert had been mischaracterized.

According to Leavitt, the information referenced in the bulletin was preliminary and unconfirmed, and officials found no evidence of an imminent threat to the United States homeland.

The internal FBI notice had warned that Iran might consider launching a retaliatory drone strike from a vessel off the United States West Coast in the event of escalating conflict between Washington and Tehran.

The bulletin did not include specific targets, timelines, or operational details, and authorities emphasized that the intelligence behind the warning remained unverified.

Leavitt criticized the way the alert was portrayed in some reports, arguing that the coverage risked creating unnecessary public alarm.

She reiterated that the administration and national security agencies regularly share precautionary information with state and local authorities even when intelligence has not been confirmed, describing such communication as part of routine preparedness efforts.

Officials in California also sought to calm public concerns following the publication of the report.

State authorities said there was no evidence of an imminent attack and confirmed that law-enforcement agencies were monitoring the situation while continuing standard security procedures.

Local departments across the state said they had not identified any specific threat or operational planning connected to the tip.

Despite the lack of verified intelligence, some organizations increased security measures out of caution amid heightened geopolitical tensions.

Major public events and prominent locations implemented additional monitoring and patrols as part of routine safety planning.

The episode unfolded during a period of heightened tension between the United States and Iran following recent military confrontations in the Middle East.

Administration officials say the United States remains vigilant and prepared to respond to any credible threats, while emphasizing that the FBI alert in question did not indicate that an attack was imminent.

The White House has continued to emphasize that federal, state and local agencies maintain close coordination to monitor potential risks and respond swiftly should reliable intelligence emerge.