The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has called on civilians in Iran to “immediately avoid” all port facilities where the country’s naval forces are present.
According to a statement released on 11 March 2026, CENTCOM said that the Iranian military is conducting activities out of civilian ports along the Strait of Hormuz, a route handling approximately 20% of global crude oil shipments.
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The Iranian naval forces have allegedly stationed vessels and military equipment within civilian ports handling commercial maritime traffic.
Under international law, civilian ports utilised for military purposes lose their “protected status” and are considered “legitimate military targets”, CENTCOM stated.
The command added that these actions by the Iranian regime “risk the lives of innocent people.”
The statement read: “US forces urge civilians in Iran to immediately avoid all port facilities where Iranian naval forces are operating. Iranian dockworkers, administrative personnel, and commercial vessel crews should avoid Iranian naval vessels and military equipment.
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By GlobalData“The Iranian regime is using civilian ports along the Strait of Hormuz to conduct military operations that threaten international shipping. This dangerous action risks the lives of innocent people.”
CENTCOM confirmed it “cannot guarantee” the safety of civilians in or around facilities utilised for Iranian military operations but stated it would continue to take “every feasible precaution” to minimise harm.
The warning follows recent CENTCOM confirmation that its forces targeted several Iranian vessels, including 16 minelayers near the Strait of Hormuz.
Media reports indicate Iran has started deploying mines in the strategic waterway.
On 10 March 2026, CENTCOM reported its forces had struck over 5,000 locations in Iran during the first ten days of a wider military campaign.
