U.S. warns civilians they could be targets at ports with Iranian naval vessels

Iran’s military is using civilian ports along the Strait of Hormuz to launch operations that threaten international shipping through the critical waterway, U.S. Central Command officials said Wednesday.

Iran has stationed warships and military equipment inside civilian ports serving commercial maritime traffic. The facilities would lose protected status under international law and become legitimate military targets, CENTCOM said.

“This dangerous action risks the lives of innocent people,” the command said. “CENTCOM urges civilians in Iran to immediately avoid all port facilities where Iranian naval forces are operating.”

Hence, Iranian dockworkers, administrative personnel and commercial vessel crews should avoid Iranian warships and any military equipment in the ports.

“American forces will continue taking every feasible precaution to minimize harm to civilians,” U.S. officials said.