Brad Cooper, commander of United States Central Command> (CENTCOM), has warned American service members that videos, photographs and social media posts shared from deployment locations could provide valuable intelligence to Iran, according to a report by Reuters.

In a letter dated July 28, Cooper reportedly said Iran could use publicly available images and videos to determine whether missile or drone attacks had successfully struck US facilities, potentially increasing the risk to American personnel.

Report Says Some Troops Could Be Asked to Surrender Phones

Reuters, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that some US troops deployed in Jordan have been informed that their mobile phones may be confiscated in the coming days as part of enhanced operational security measures. Another source said the proposal is under consideration in parts of the region but stressed that no final decision has been made.

Responding to the report, a CENTCOM spokesperson said the message was a general reminder about operational security and one of several communications from Admiral Cooper highlighting military priorities. The spokesperson did not confirm any region-wide policy requiring troops to surrender their phones.

Concerns Over Real-Time Battlefield Information

According to the Reuters report, the warning follows incidents in which service members allegedly shared videos during or immediately after Iranian attacks.

One example referenced in Admiral Cooper's letter reportedly involved footage recorded using Meta Smart Glasses, showing troops moving to protective shelters during an Iranian missile and drone attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. Cooper warned that such content could allow adversaries to assess strike accuracy and identify military infrastructure.

He reportedly argued that while Iran knows when it launches weapons, publicly shared videos and media reports can help it determine whether those attacks were successful, information that might otherwise remain unavailable due to electronic warfare measures and battlefield uncertainty.

Balancing Security and Communication

Restrictions on personal electronic devices are not uncommon during military deployments, particularly for sensitive missions.

However, any broader move to limit or confiscate phones would affect thousands of deployed personnel who rely on mobile devices to communicate with their families during overseas assignments.

Reuters reported that the possibility has raised concerns among some military families, who depend on periodic messages from deployed relatives for reassurance during ongoing regional tensions.

Why This Matters

Modern conflicts increasingly involve open-source intelligence, where publicly available photos, videos and social media posts can provide valuable information to adversaries. Military organisations worldwide have tightened operational security policies in response to these risks. While CENTCOM has confirmed the importance of safeguarding operational information, it has not announced a region-wide policy requiring deployed personnel to surrender their mobile phones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is the US military considering restricting troops' phones?

According to Reuters, military officials are concerned that social media posts and videos could help Iran evaluate attacks and identify sensitive military locations.

Has the US officially ordered troops to surrender their phones?

No. Reuters reported that the measure is being considered for some personnel, but CENTCOM has not confirmed a region-wide policy.

Who issued the warning?

The warning came from Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, in a letter to service members.

Which country could see the new restrictions first?

According to Reuters, some US troops stationed in Jordan have reportedly been told that phone confiscations may be introduced.

Why are social media posts considered a security risk?

Military officials say images, videos and location data shared online can reveal operational details that adversaries may use to assess attacks or plan future strikes.