INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 8, 2026 — The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has issued a safety advisory urging civilians in Iran to remain indoors, citing concerns that the Iranian government is conducting military operations from heavily populated areas. According to CENTCOM, these operations include the launch of one-way attack drones and ballistic missiles.
In a statement released on March 8, CENTCOM described the Iranian strategy as “a dangerous decision that risks the lives of civilians,” noting that under international law, locations used for military purposes lose their protected status and may become legitimate military targets.
The statement alleged that Iranian forces are operating from crowded urban areas in cities such as Dezful, Esfahan, and Shiraz. CENTCOM warned that this tactic places civilians at risk, while also accusing Iranian forces of targeting civilian airports, hotels, and residential neighborhoods across the Middle East.
“Iran’s terrorist regime is blatantly disregarding civilian lives by attacking Gulf partners while compromising the safety of their own people,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM.
CENTCOM further reported that since February 28, Iran has launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and thousands of one-way attack drones. However, it claimed that launch rates have declined significantly due to U.S. and partner forces degrading Iran’s military capabilities.
The statement emphasized that the U.S. military takes “every feasible precaution to minimize harm to civilians” but cautioned that it cannot guarantee civilian safety near facilities being used by Iranian forces for military purposes.
