According to a report by Anadolu Agency on Sunday, March 08, 2026, The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has issued a warning that Iran is launching drones and ballistic missiles from densely populated areas, potentially placing civilians at risk. CENTCOM identified cities including Dezful, Isfahan, and Shiraz as locations from which Iranian forces are conducting military operations, a practice that could render such areas legitimate military targets under international law.
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In a statement released on March 8, CENTCOM reported that since February 28, Iran has deployed “hundreds of ballistic missiles and thousands of one-way attack drones” while targeting civilian infrastructure across the Persian Gulf region. The statement highlighted attacks on airports, hotels, and residential areas, emphasizing that operating from civilian-dense neighborhoods endangers local populations because sites used for combat no longer maintain protected status under the laws of war.
CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper criticized Tehran’s tactics, stating the Iranian government is “blatantly disregarding civilian lives” both by striking regional partners and by exposing its own population to danger. He noted that U.S. forces are taking measures to minimize civilian harm but cautioned that “safety cannot be guaranteed near sites the Iranian regime uses for military purposes.”
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The warning comes amid heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf, where Iran’s use of unmanned aerial vehicles and ballistic missiles has increased in recent weeks. CENTCOM’s release underscores the challenge of addressing military threats while mitigating risks to civilians in urban areas and emphasizes the legal and ethical implications of using populated cities for offensive operations.
U.S. officials continue to monitor the situation closely, coordinating defensive measures and sharing intelligence with regional allies to anticipate further Iranian attacks and protect civilian populations.
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