CENTCOM warns civilians residing or stationed near the ports of the Islamic Republic: U.S. forces urge civilians in Iran to immediately stay away from all port facilities where Iranian naval forces are active. Port workers, administrative personnel, and commercial ship crews should keep their distance from Iranian naval vessels and military equipment. The Iranian regime uses civilian ports along the Strait of Hormuz to conduct military operations that jeopardize international shipping safety. These dangerous actions threaten innocent lives. Under international law, civilian ports used for military purposes lose their protected status and are considered legitimate military targets.