US military warns Iranian civilians at ports used for military purposes

The American military issues a warning to Iranian civilians that Iran is using civilian ports along the Strait of Hormuz “to conduct military operations that threaten international shipping.”

“US forces urge civilians in Iran to immediately avoid all port facilities where Iranian naval forces are operating. Iranian dockworkers, administrative personnel, and commercial vessel crews should avoid Iranian naval vessels and military equipment,” reads the warning issued by the US Central Command.

“The Iranian regime is using civilian ports along the Strait of Hormuz to conduct military operations that threaten international shipping. This dangerous action risks the lives of innocent people. Civilian ports used for military purposes lose protected status and become legitimate military targets under international law,” the warning adds.

CENTCOM in a statement adds that while it “cannot guarantee civilian safety in or near facilities used by the Iranian regime for military purposes, American forces will continue taking every feasible precaution to minimize harm to civilians.”