Iran tracking US bases through troops' social media posts? Military considers phone crackdown

Dubai: The United States military is weighing stricter controls on mobile phone use by troops deployed in the Middle East after senior commanders warned that online posts could help Iran assess the effectiveness of its attacks and plan future strikes.

According to Reuters, Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), issued a letter on July 28 urging personnel to strengthen operational security. He warned that videos, photographs and other content shared online by service members and journalists could allow Iran to determine whether missile and drone attacks had successfully struck US facilities.

Cooper said publicly available images and footage could effectively provide Iran with a free battle damage assessment by revealing which targets were hit, missed or evacuated. He cautioned that such information could increase the risk to American troops and civilians living near US military installations in Gulf countries.

Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that some US troops stationed in Jordan have already been informed that their mobile phones may soon be confiscated. Another source said similar measures are being considered elsewhere in the region, although no final decision has been announced.

The warning follows an incident in which a US service member reportedly shared footage recorded using Meta smart glasses during an Iranian missile and drone attack on Jordan's Muwaffaq Salti Air Base on July 17. The video showed troops rushing to protective bunkers, potentially revealing defensive procedures and locations.

US Central Command said the letter was intended as a general reminder about the importance of operational security rather than confirmation of any new policy. Military officials noted that restrictions on personal electronic devices already vary depending on operational requirements, with some sensitive missions requiring phones to be locked away or prohibited altogether.

The possibility of confiscating mobile phones has caused concern among some military families, who rely on regular communication with deployed personnel. At the same time, US officials have long warned that location data from smartphones, fitness applications and wearable devices can be exploited by adversaries to track military movements and installations.

The debate comes as the conflict between the United States and Iran continues, with casualties among US forces increasing and concerns growing over the security of American military bases across the Middle East.