US Military May Confiscate Cellphones Of Troops Deployed In West Asia Over Iran Security Fears: Report
US Military May Confiscate Cellphones Of Troops Deployed In West Asia Over Iran Security Fears: Report Published By, Last Updated: July 29, 2026, 21:00 IST
US Military May Confiscate Cellphones Of Troops Deployed In West Asia Over Iran Security Fears: Report Published By, Last Updated: July 29, 2026, 21:00 IST Some U.S. troops in Jordan could soon be ordered to surrender their phones after military officials warned that publicly shared footage is aiding Iran's battle damage assessment. Rapid Read The conflict has thus far killed 18 U.S. service members and wounded more than 600. The U.S. military is considering tighter restrictions on cellphone use for troops deployed in the Middle East after its top regional commander warned that videos and photos shared online are helping Iran assess the success of its attacks in near real time. According to sources who spoke to Reuters, some U.S. troops stationed in Jordan have already been informed that their cellphones could be confiscated in the coming days. A third source said the move is under consideration across parts of the region due to growing operational security concerns, although no final decision has been made. The warning came from Admiral Brad Cooper, the top U.S. commander in the Middle East, who said footage recorded and posted by American service members is effectively providing Iran with free battle damage assessments. 🇺🇸🇮🇷🇯🇴 The top U.S. commander in the Middle East has warned troops that their own cell phone videos and photos are giving Iran real-time feedback on its attacks.Adm.
Cooper said open-source footage shared online lets Iranian forces quickly assess whether missiles and drones hit… pic.twitter.com/J4qtNmkLU0 — Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 29, 2026 Responding to Reuters, U.S. Central Command spokesperson Captain Timothy Hawkins said the message should be viewed as a general reminder about maintaining operational security. He added that Admiral Cooper has repeatedly used such communications to reinforce operational priorities. Video from Jordan attack triggers security concerns Military officials’ concerns intensified after a U.S. service member recorded soldiers rushing to shelters during an Iranian missile and drone attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on July 17. The video was later posted on Instagram and was reportedly filmed using Meta smart glasses equipped with a built-in camera. In his message to troops, Cooper referred to the footage, saying it revealed where personnel had taken shelter during the attack. He warned that such videos allow Iran to determine whether its missiles and drones missed their targets, struck empty areas or hit populated military facilities. “Iran knows the weapons were fired; however, their forces do not know if they missed by 50 meters, hit an empty tarmac, or successfully struck a crowded facility," Cooper wrote. He added that detailed public reporting, including descriptions and analyses of damaged sites, was effectively providing Iran with battle damage assessments “free of charge." Conflict claims 18 US troops, over 600 wounded The conflict between the United States and Iran, which began on February 28, has so far killed 18 U.S. service members and injured more than 600 others.
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