A stark warning has been issued to the civilian population of Iran, alleging a dangerous and deliberate tactic by the current regime. U.S. Central Command accuses Iranian forces of launching military operations directly from within heavily populated cities, effectively using their own people as shields.
The accusation centers on the use of urban areas like Dezful, Isfahan, and Shiraz as launchpads for one-way attack drones and ballistic missiles. This practice, according to CENTCOM, recklessly endangers civilian lives and violates the established principles of warfare.
In an unprecedented move, civilians within Iran are being urged to remain in their homes. The warning explicitly states that locations utilized for military purposes risk losing their protected status under international law, potentially becoming legitimate military targets.
The core of the concern lies in the Iranian regime’s apparent disregard for the safety of its own citizens while simultaneously conducting attacks against neighboring Gulf nations. This dual risk – to their own people and regional stability – is fueling the escalating tensions.
Since the beginning of what’s been termed “Operation Epic Fury” on February 28th, hundreds of ballistic missiles and thousands of drones have been launched from Iranian soil. While launch rates have recently decreased due to targeted strikes against Iranian military capabilities, the threat remains critically high.
These attacks haven’t been limited to military targets. Civilian airports and hotels across the Middle East, particularly in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain, have been directly targeted as part of Iran’s retaliatory actions.
Dramatic footage released by the UAE’s Ministry of Defense showcases their air defenses successfully intercepting and destroying numerous Iranian drones. Recent reports indicate the interception of 16 out of 17 ballistic missiles, and 113 of 117 drones, demonstrating a robust defensive response.
The UAE claims to have intercepted a staggering total of 221 ballistic missiles, 1,342 drones, and eight cruise missiles since the start of the Iranian offensive. This highlights the scale and intensity of the ongoing conflict.
Despite the mounting evidence and international condemnation, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian publicly maintains that Iran has not attacked “friendly and neighboring countries.” He claims their strikes have been exclusively aimed at U.S. military bases and installations within the region – a claim sharply contested by the affected nations.
The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation. The deliberate positioning of military assets within civilian areas presents a grave and immediate danger, raising serious questions about the regime’s priorities and its commitment to protecting its own population.
