‘US Using GCC Civilians As Shields’: Iran Says Hotels Sheltering American Soldiers Are ‘Legitimate Targets’

Last Updated:March 27, 2026, 09:13 IST

Iran issued an alert to hospitality operators across West Asia, stating that any civilian site used to accommodate US forces could be considered a target under these conditions.

An international low coast FlyDubai aircraft prepares for landing as a smoke plume rises from an ongoing fire near Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

As Iran continues to strike neighbouring Gulf countries during the ongoing war, Tehran has warned that hotels and civilian facilities housing US military personnel could become “legitimate defensive targets”. Iranian media reports said the warning would apply if such activity continues.

Iran issued a broader alert to hospitality operators across Wesy Asia, stating that any civilian site used to accommodate US forces could be considered a target under these conditions. This raises concerns about the safety of civilian locations being drawn into the conflict.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused US forces of using Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) civilians as “human shields”. He claimed American personnel were “hiding in hotels and offices” after “fleeing” military bases.

Araghchi also urged hotels across the region to deny bookings to US officers, warning that their presence could endanger civilians staying or working at these locations.

His post on X reads, “From outset of this war, U.S. soldiers fled military bases in GCC to hide in hotels and offices. They use GCC citizens as human shield. Hotels in U.S. deny bookings to officers who may endanger customers. GCC hotels should do same.”

EU raises concerns over Russia

Meanwhile, the EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the United States should put pressure on Russia to stop assisting Iran with defence intelligence. She said such support was being used to “target” and “kill” Americans.

The developments come as tensions continue to rise across West Asia, with the conflict increasingly affecting civilian areas and infrastructure. Iran has targeted US and Israeli bases in West Asia as a retaliation to the attacks.

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