Iran has accused Donald Trump of threatening actions that “constitute war crimes” after he warned of potential strikes on civilian infrastructure in the country.
The US president made the remarks over the weekend, stating that Iranian power plants and bridges could be targeted if Tehran failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
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The vital shipping route carries roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply but has effectively been blocked by Iran following US and Israeli strikes that began in late February.
Rising economic pressure appears to have intensified Washington’s stance, with the president issuing a 48-hour ultimatum on Saturday, warning that “all hell would reign down” if the passage remained closed.
Iran Accuses US Of Violating International Law Over Civilian Target Threats
On Sunday, Trump escalated his rhetoric by outlining specific targets, stating: “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.”
Responding on Monday, Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the comments “constitute war crimes” and represent a “flagrant violation of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter”.
He added that Iran would deliver a “decisive, immediate and regret-inducing response to any aggression or imminent threat”.
Military Warning Signals Escalation If Civilian Sites Are Targeted
A prior statement from the spokesperson for Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters reinforced the warning, stating: “If attacks on civilian targets are repeated, the next stages of offensive and retaliatory operations will be much more devastating and widespread.”
The remarks signal the potential for a broader escalation should threats translate into action, particularly given the strategic importance of the disputed waterway.
UN Official Reaffirms Ban On Attacks Against Civilian Infrastructure
Meanwhile, Tom Fletcher, the United Nations’ under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, told BBC: “This stuff isn’t negotiable.
“You don’t hit civilian infrastructure. You don’t hit schools, you don’t hit energy sources, you don’t hit bridges. Those are war crimes. That is absolutely clear in international law.
“But somewhere along the way we seem to have thrown that all aside and we’ve chosen impunity, indifference, game show gambling over solidarity and humanity.”
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