U.S. Warns Iranian Civilians of Danger from Military Sites in Residential Areas

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has issued a stark warning to the civilian population of Iran, stating that their own government's actions are putting them at risk. The U.S. Military command accuses the Iranian regime of deliberately using densely populated civilian areas for military operations.

In an official statement, CENTCOM declared that Iran is launching drones and ballistic missiles from urban centers surrounded by civilians, specifically naming cities like Dezful, Isfahan, and Shiraz. According to international law, locations used for military purposes lose their protected status and can become legitimate military targets.

"The Iranian regime uses densely populated civilian areas to conduct military operations, including launching drones and ballistic missiles. This dangerous decision endangers the lives of all peaceful Iranian citizens," the CENTCOM statement read.

The command strongly urged Iranian civilians to stay at home for their safety. It further accused Iranian forces of endangering innocent people across the wider Middle East by deliberately and indiscriminately striking civilian airports, hotels, and residential neighborhoods.

Since late February, Iran has launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and thousands of one-way attack drones. However, U.S. Officials noted that the pace of these launches has sharply declined as American and partner forces degrade Iran's military capabilities.

While asserting that U.S. Forces take all possible precautions to minimize harm to civilians, CENTCOM stated it cannot guarantee the safety of civilians on or near sites used by the Iranian regime for military purposes. The command drew a sharp contrast with its own rules of engagement: "Unlike the Iranian regime, American forces do not strike or intentionally endanger civilian populations."

The warning follows reports from Gulf states on Sunday of new missile attacks originating from Iran targeting civilian infrastructure. Authorities in the United Arab Emirates reported over 100 missiles and drones were launched. Bahrain accused Tehran of indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets, damaging one of its desalination plants.

This escalation comes after Iran previously claimed that a U.S. Airstrike damaged its own desalination facility on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, cutting off water supply to 30 villages.