Iran deliberately targeting civilians throughout the Middle East, US commander says

 

A top U.S. commander says Iran is deliberately targeting civilians across the Middle East, launching drone and missile attacks on residential areas and infrastructure in multiple countries.

The conflict in the Middle East has taken a troubling turn after a senior U.S. military commander accused Iran of deliberately targeting civilians across multiple countries in the region.

According to officials from the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), recent Iranian strikes have hit residential areas and civilian infrastructure, raising fears that the war is expanding beyond military targets.

US Commander Issues Strong Warning

Brad Cooper, who leads CENTCOM, said Iran has attacked at least 12 countries since the latest phase of the conflict began. He warned that strikes aimed at civilian neighborhoods represent a dangerous escalation.

One of the most alarming incidents occurred when seven Iranian attack drones were launched toward residential neighborhoods in Bahrain, according to the U.S. military.

“This is unacceptable and will not go unanswered,” Cooper said while discussing the attacks.

Civilian Infrastructure Reportedly Targeted

U.S. officials say Iran has targeted several civilian locations and economic hubs throughout the region, including airports, seaports, hotels, and residential buildings.

Among the sites reportedly struck or threatened:

• Major airports in Gulf countries

• Residential neighborhoods in Bahrain

• Hotels and commercial infrastructure in Dubai

• Energy and shipping facilities across the Gulf

Security experts say attacks on these types of targets can cause widespread fear, economic disruption, and civilian casualties.

War Expands Across the Region

The accusations come amid a rapidly widening conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

The current escalation began after the U.S. and Israel launched a series of military strikes inside Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate with missile and drone attacks across the Middle East.

Since then, the conflict has spread to multiple countries and strategic locations, including military bases, infrastructure hubs, and civilian areas.

Analysts warn that continued strikes on populated areas could further pull neutral countries into the conflict and increase the risk of a broader regional war.

International Concerns Growing

Global leaders and military analysts are increasingly alarmed by reports that civilian areas are becoming targets.

Former Central Intelligence Agency director David Petraeus said Iran may have made a serious mistake by expanding its attacks to civilian infrastructure across the Gulf region.

Experts say such actions could lead to stronger international retaliation and potentially unify regional powers against Iran.

What Happens Next?

The United States says it will continue working with allies to defend civilians and strategic infrastructure across the Middle East.

CENTCOM officials emphasized that further attacks on civilian populations will trigger a response, signaling that the situation could escalate further if strikes continue.

As the conflict intensifies, millions of people across the region remain on edge—uncertain how far the violence might spread.