The commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has warned American troops across the Middle East that videos and photos posted online could provide Iran with valuable intelligence about the effectiveness of its attacks, according to a Reuters report.

Adm. Brad Cooper cautioned that publicly shared images, videos, and other real-time information can help Tehran assess strike damage and identify vulnerabilities, urging troops to place renewed emphasis on operational security.

“Iran knows the weapon was launched,” Cooper wrote in a message to personnel. “But its forces do not know whether they missed by 50 meters, struck an empty runway, or successfully hit a crowded facility.”

According to Reuters, some U.S. personnel stationed in the region may be required to surrender their personal cell phones, including devices used to communicate with family members, as military officials evaluate additional security measures.

Cooper specifically referenced a recently circulated video showing U.S. troops running for shelter during an Iranian missile and drone attack in Jordan, warning that such footage can provide adversaries with critical information about the results of an attack.

He stressed that intelligence gathered from publicly available sources comes at a direct cost, writing that the consequences are measured “in the lives of American service members and civilians in Gulf nations under attack.”

CENTCOM said the message was a general reminder emphasizing the importance of information security and reflected Cooper’s ongoing focus on protecting operational information.

According to the report, some U.S. troops in Jordan have already been informed that their phones could be temporarily confiscated as officials consider tighter security restrictions. The possibility has raised concerns among military families, though U.S. officials have long warned that adversaries can exploit location data and other information collected from mobile devices.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)