The United States Central Command has warned that Iran is putting its own citizens at risk by using densely populated civilian areas to launch drones and ballistic missiles, potentially turning those locations into military targets.
“Under international law, locations used for military purposes lose their protected status and may become legitimate military targets,” the statement said.
A U.S. official noted that the American military has observed several cases in which Iran deployed mobile drone and ballistic missile launchers in heavily populated areas. The warning specifically mentioned the cities of Dezful, Esfahan, and Shiraz as locations where attacks were reportedly launched from crowded urban zones.
The official emphasized that the warning should not be interpreted as a sign that the U.S. military is preparing to strike those cities. However, he added that the United States “cannot guarantee the safety of civilians” in or near sites used for military operations.
According to the official, the warning aims to signal to Iran that the United States is aware of these actions and to inform Iranian citizens that their government may be exposing them to danger.
“U.S. forces strongly urge civilians in Iran to remain indoors,” the statement concluded. “The Iranian regime is knowingly putting innocent lives at risk.”
