Archive · 30 Jul 2026
US Military Warns Troops About Phone Use Amid Iran Threats
The US military’s top commander in the Middle East, Admiral Brad Cooper, wrote a memo on July 28.
He said that when soldiers post videos or photos from their phones, Iran can see if its missiles hit or missed.
This could help Iran plan more attacks.
Because of this risk, some soldiers in Jordan might have to give up their phones soon.
The memo is a warning, not a new rule, but it shows how serious the military is about keeping information secret.
Admiral Brad Cooper warned troops that phone‑shared content could give Iran real‑time battle damage info.
The memo, dated July 28, 2024, urged tighter operational security but did not mandate a new rule.
Sources say soldiers in Jordan may soon have to surrender their phones, with broader discussions underway.
Cooper cited a video from Meta smart glasses posted on Instagram during an Iranian attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base.
The warning highlights growing Pentagon concerns over smartphones, wearable devices, and social media in combat zones.
- Who
- Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command
- What
- Warned troops that phone‑shared videos and photos could aid Iran’s targeting and may lead to phone confiscation
- When
- Memo issued July 28, 2024
- Where
- Middle East, especially Jordan
- Why
- To stop Iran from using social‑media posts as free battle damage assessment
- Commander
- Admiral Brad Cooper
- Potential Phone Confiscation
- Yes, in Jordan
- Reason
- Prevent Iran from gaining open‑source intelligence
- Memo Date
- July 28, 2024
- Conflict
- US‑Iran war (Feb 28, 2024 – present)
