United States Troops Stationed in the Middle East Could Be Required to Turn in Cell Phones

United States military members stationed in the Middle East may soon be required to hand over their cell phones.

According to a new report by Reuters published on Wednesday, July 29, a top U.S. commander for the region has warned servicemembers that posting videos online can alert Iran to their location.

‌Iran is reportedly “benefiting” from videos shared online showing “reactions, photos, and footage from the cellphones of our troops,” which help the nation determine the success of its strikes in real-time, according to Admiral Brad Cooper, Reuters reported.

“The direct, unavoidable cost of this open-source ​intelligence could be measured in the lives of American service members and civilian residents in targeted Gulf countries,” Cooper reportedly wrote in a letter dated July 28. He went on to cite videos captured by a service member on their Meta glasses and later posted to social media.

Sources told the outlet that troops stationed in Jordan have been warned that cell phones will be confiscated in a matter of days.

“The message is a general reminder to our service members on the importance of maintaining ⁠operational security,” a spokesperson for the U.S. Central Command told Reuters. “This is one of many opportunities Admiral Cooper has used to convey operational priorities.”

Eighteen American soldiers have been killed since the start of the Iran war in February, with more than 600 wounded.