White House Demands Retraction of Iran Drone Threat Reports to Prevent Public Panic Escalation

March 12 News, the White House recently demanded ABC News retract a report about Iran possibly launching a drone attack on California, claiming the report relied on unverified intelligence and exaggerated the threat. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized on social media that there is currently no imminent threat from Iran to the U.S. mainland and criticized the report for omitting this key information.

The controversy stems from an FBI briefing leaked in February, which described a scenario where Iran might launch drones from ships near the West Coast in retaliation. California Governor Gavin Newsom later stated that local governments and law enforcement agencies across the state are prepared, but no emergency threats have been identified, aiming to prevent public panic.

Meanwhile, Iran is increasingly relying on drones in Middle Eastern conflicts. Following joint operations with the U.S., Iran launched large-scale drone and missile attacks targeting ports, energy facilities, and shipping routes, causing fluctuations in energy markets and driving up oil prices. Military experts note that single-use attack drones like Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 are low-cost and produced in large quantities, becoming important tactical weapons in modern warfare. Russia’s use of similar drone tactics in Ukraine also demonstrates the profound impact of drones on battlefield dynamics.

Interestingly, cryptocurrencies also play a role in the drone supply chain. In 2022, Ukraine spent over $54 million in cryptocurrency on drones and military expenses, with pro-Russian groups donating over $2 million in crypto. U.S. and Israeli authorities have attempted to seize USDT and Tether funds related to Iranian military drones, indicating the increasing involvement of digital currencies in modern military supply chains.

ABC News later updated its report to reflect the latest information, emphasizing that the intelligence is unverified. This incident highlights how emerging technologies like drones and digital currencies are becoming increasingly critical in modern warfare, while also potentially influencing public perception and market sentiment.