US warns civilians near Iranian military sites may be at risk

WASHINGTON — US Central Command said Sunday it “cannot guarantee” the safety of civilians located in or near facilities used by Iran for military purposes, warning that such locations could become legitimate military targets under international law.In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said Iranian authorities are using densely populated civilian areas to conduct military operations, including launching one-way attack drones and ballistic missiles from cities such as Dezful, Isfahan and Shiraz.The command warned that such practices endanger civilians because locations used for military purposes lose protected status and may become legitimate military targets under international law.CENTCOM issued a safety warning urging civilians in Iran to remain at home, accusing Iranian authorities of knowingly putting lives at risk.“Iranian forces are jeopardizing the safety of innocent people throughout the Middle East by deliberately and indiscriminately targeting civilian airports, hotels and residential neighborhoods,” the statement said.The command cited Brad Cooper as saying that Iran’s leadership was disregarding civilian lives by attacking Gulf partners while exposing its own population to danger.According to CENTCOM, Iran has launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and thousands of one-way attack drones since Feb. 28, though the rate of launches has declined as US and partner forces target Iranian military capabilities.The command said US forces take precautions to minimize civilian harm but cannot guarantee safety for civilians located near Iranian military facilities.