Internal memo says social media posts could provide intelligence as military reviews phone restrictions
WASHINGTON: The commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM) has warned American troops that videos and images shared on social media during missile and drone attacks could provide Iran with valuable battlefield intelligence, according to a Reuters report.
Reuters reported that CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper issued an internal message cautioning service members that footage recorded on mobile phones could help Iranian forces assess the effectiveness of their strikes and plan follow-up attacks against US military installations.
According to the report, Cooper warned that publicly shared videos, photographs and online reporting could effectively provide Tehran with battle damage assessments “free of charge.”
Military considers tighter operational security
Reuters also reported that some US personnel stationed in Jordan have been informed that they could soon be required to surrender their mobile phones as part of tighter operational security measures following recent attacks.
The proposed restrictions are reportedly under consideration to prevent sensitive information from being shared online during ongoing military operations.
The report comes after footage circulated on social media purportedly showing a US soldier recording an Iranian missile barrage targeting Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. Reuters did not independently verify the authenticity of the video.
Operational security under renewed focus
Military officials have increasingly warned that images and videos posted by personnel can reveal operational details, including strike accuracy, damage assessments and troop locations.
According to Reuters, the internal guidance reflects growing concern within the US military that publicly available content could inadvertently assist adversaries during active conflicts.
Neither CENTCOM nor the US Department of Defense had publicly announced a formal policy requiring deployed personnel to surrender their phones at the time of reporting.
The reported measures come amid heightened regional tensions and continued exchanges involving US forces and Iran-aligned groups. Security analysts have long cautioned that information shared on social media can expose operational vulnerabilities and compromise military missions, prompting armed forces worldwide to reinforce operational security protocols during periods of conflict.
Reuters reports U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Adm. Brad Cooper has warned U.S. troops that cellphone videos and social media posts are giving Iran real-time battle damage assessments, potentially helping it plan follow on strikes against American forces.
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— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) July 29, 2026
