Former U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser K. T. McFarland has reiterated that American military actions are not aimed at civilians in Iran, while sharply criticizing Tehran for allegedly placing non-combatants in dangerous positions.
In an interview on Fox News on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, McFarland emphasized that U.S. operations are strictly directed at military and critical infrastructure targets, not the general population.
“We are not going after children and civilians,” she stated. “It is the Iranian government that is telling its own people: ‘Stand in front of the power plant and act as human shields.’”
McFarland argued that by positioning innocent civilians near strategic sites, Iran is effectively using them to protect military and industrial assets. She described this as a deliberate tactic by Tehran that complicates U.S. efforts to respond while remaining within international standards on civilian protection.
Her comments come amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, as the United States continues to leverage diplomatic, economic, and military measures to achieve its objectives in the region. McFarland highlighted that the U.S. military is committed to precision strikes designed to minimize civilian harm while addressing Iranian military and industrial threats.
“The United States is operating with restraint,” McFarland said. “But it is clear that Iran’s government is making calculated decisions that endanger innocent lives, using civilians as human shields in sensitive areas.”
Her statements highlight the difficult position facing U.S. policymakers, who must balance demonstrating military strength with protecting civilians in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment.
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