According to a report by Reuters on July 29, the US military's top military commander in the Middle East warned the military that mobile video shared online might help Iran target US military bases and carry out attacks. Sources told Reuters that some US military personnel deployed abroad may soon be ordered to hand over their phones. The report said that any restrictions on mobile communication will bring new challenges to thousands of US military soldiers in the region. Many of them still rely on mobile phones to keep in touch with their loved ones on a regular basis and keep them safe. US Central Command Commander Brad Cooper said in a previously undisclosed letter that Iran can obtain “reactions, photos and videos” taken by reporters quoting US soldiers on their mobile phones by searching for news reports or social media posts, thus judging the effects of Iran's strike action in near real time. In a July 28 letter, Cooper wrote, “The direct and unavoidable cost of this open source intelligence may be reflected in US military casualties and civilian casualties in the Gulf countries attacked.” Reuters obtained a copy of the letter. Cooper asked US military personnel to “pay more attention to operational safety,” but did not propose specific measures in the letter.

According to a report by Reuters on July 29, the US military's top military commander in the Middle East warned the military that mobile video shared online might help Iran target US military bases and carry out attacks. Sources told Reuters that some US military personnel deployed abroad may soon be ordered to hand over their phones. The report said that any restrictions on mobile communication will bring new challenges to thousands of US military soldiers in the region. Many of them still rely on mobile phones to keep in touch with their loved ones on a regular basis and keep them safe. US Central Command Commander Brad Cooper said in a previously undisclosed letter that Iran can obtain “reactions, photos and videos” taken by reporters quoting US soldiers on their mobile phones by searching for news reports or social media posts, thus judging the effects of Iran's strike action in near real time. In a July 28 letter, Cooper wrote, “The direct and unavoidable cost of this open source intelligence may be reflected in US military casualties and civilian casualties in the Gulf countries attacked.” Reuters obtained a copy of the letter. Cooper asked US military personnel to “pay more attention to operational safety,” but did not propose specific measures in the letter.