US Strikes on Iranian Civilian Infrastructure Spark War Crime Allegations
International law experts are expressing serious concern that recent U.S. military strikes targeting Iran's civilian infrastructure may constitute war crimes. The actions, which have reportedly hit schools, health centers, homes, and a major suspension bridge, appear to contravene the Geneva Conventions. President Trump has openly threatened to escalate these attacks, warning that the U.S. military will target more non-military sites, including power plants, desalination facilities, and bridges, if Iran's leadership does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation for the initial U.S. and Israeli strikes that began on February 28, Iran has shut down the critical Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route for oil. This closure has caused oil prices to surge, with immediate effects being felt by Americans at gasoline pumps. The conflict, now in its fifth week, has also seen direct engagements, with Iran firing on Israel and Gulf neighbors and shooting down two U.S. aircraft; one pilot has been rescued while another remains missing. The escalating situation has prompted the U.S. to advise American citizens in Iraq to leave immediately due to threats from Iran-backed militias. Meanwhile, President Trump has claimed that U.S. military action has been so decisive that Iran is 'really no longer a threat,' a statement met with defiance from Tehran. Critics, including legal experts and commentators, have accused the administration of openly flaunting violations of international law by deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure.
Prefer swipe-first reading?
Install the app to keep reading with faster loads and a smoother mobile experience.
Sources
Iran fires on Israel and Gulf neighbors as Trump claims threat from Tehran nearly eliminated | PBS News
Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Before the U.S. and Israel started the war on Feb. 28 with strikes on Iran, the waterway was open to traffic and 20% of all traded oil used passed through it. Iran responded defiantly to Trump's speech, in which the American president claimed U.S. military action had been so decisive that "one of the most powerful countries" is "really no longer a threat...
Trump 'Openly Flaunting His War Crimes' as US Bombs Iran's Civilian Infrastructure | Common Dreams
Drop Site News co-founder Ryan Grim described Trump's post as, "An extremist group in Washington, DC has claimed credit for the terrorist attack on the Iranian bridge." Earlier Thursday, Grim noted that Iran has shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman that's a key shipping route for fossil fuels. Oil prices have surged, as Americans have already seen at the gasoline pump. "The more civilian infrastructure we destroy ...
U.S. tells Americans in Iraq to leave immediately amid threat from Iran-backed militias
He and two other experts in international law who spoke to NBC News said Trump’s threats alone could represent a possible war crime. Read the full story here. ... Trump hailed the U.S. military’s “unstoppable” prowess in the war with Iran, telling Americans in a prime-time address last ...
More strikes were reported across Iran Thursday night and into Friday. Trump has threatened that the U.S. will hit more civilian infrastructure, including power and desalination plants, by next week if Iran's leadership does not open the Strait of Hormuz. International law expert Gabor Rona ...
Live updates: One pilot rescued, one still missing after U.S. fighter jet shot down over Iran, officials say
One of the pilots was rescued and is alive, a U.S. official told NBC News. TRUMP WARNS IRAN AFTER BRIDGE STRIKE: President Donald Trump has warned that the United States “hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran,” his latest threat to intensify attacks on civilian infrastructure ...
‘Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants!’ Trump threatens Iran’s infrastructure. - E&E News by POLITICO
President Donald Trump delivered a new threat to Iran late Thursday evening, warning that the American military would strike civilian infrastructure including bridges and power plants. “Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasn’t even started destroying ...
Fact Checks
Related news
Gaza Famine Claims Eased But Crisis Remains Severe Amid Ongoing Conflict
The situation in Gaza has shown signs of improvement regarding food insecurity, with the world’s leading authority confirming that famine conditions have ended in parts of the territory. This reduction is attributed to decreased fighting and increased aid access, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). Despite these positive developments, monitoring organizations caution that the crisis is far from resolved. Experts warn that most families still lack adequate food, and two-thirds of Gazans may face acute hunger by the end of the year. The gains are deemed fragile, as high prices, aid uncertainty, and persistent hostilities continue to keep the enclave in a state of severe crisis.
US-Iran Conflict Escalates Amid Strikes, Threats, and Intelligence Tensions
The United States has launched a fresh barrage of strikes against Iran, leading to heightened tensions and political debate over military action. President Trump has warned of a major escalation as the conflict stretches into its thirteenth night, while Republican hawks urge him to unleash major combat operations. This renewed bombing campaign has occurred amid concerns over intelligence cooperation between the US and Iran, with Iranian officials warning that they will hold accountable any state aiding the United States in attacks. Furthermore, US forces are deploying drones against targets, and the US has indicated that damages to shipping could be covered using Iranian assets.
Nicaragua Parliament Moves to Abolish Elections Following Ortega's Ban
Nicaragua's parliament has moved to abolish elections, following President Daniel Ortega's decree that there would be no further electoral processes. This legislative action is intended to codify the decision and ensure the country's 'peace, security and stability,' reflecting Ortega's effort to extend his nearly two-decade rule and eliminate opposition chances. The move has drawn sharp condemnation from the international community. The United States accused Ortega of leading a dictatorship, while UN rights officials urged for the restoration of freedoms and the rule of law. Critics compare Ortega's actions to those of world strongmen, raising questions about why major powers are not responding with similar pressure.
Record Heat Wave Costs UK Economy Over $1.5 Billion and Strains European Infrastructure
A recent record-breaking heat wave across Europe has resulted in significant economic damage, with studies estimating the cost to the UK economy alone at over $1.5 billion. This financial toll includes lost working hours and highlights the urgent need for investment in climate adaptation measures. Beyond the financial impact, the extreme temperatures have strained critical infrastructure, pushing power plants to their limits and causing ecological damage, such as the death of certain trees. Furthermore, experts warn that the heat wave exposes systemic issues, including fragmented EU capital markets hindering energy transition financing and rising insurance costs that necessitate greater government intervention to protect consumers.
FIFA World Cup 2030 Set for Expansion and Six Host Nations
The FIFA World Cup 2030 is set to feature significant structural changes, including an expansion from 48 to 64 teams. This historic tournament will be hosted across six nations spanning three continents, according to official announcements and statements from football authorities. Reports indicate that this change has already been discussed publicly, with CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez reportedly 'leaking' the proposal. Furthermore, specific nations like Portugal, Spain, and Morocco have been mentioned as potential hosts for the event. RTÉ has secured free-to-air broadcasting rights for the tournament, which will be hosted across Spain.
Victims Demand Restitution from Iran in Peace Deal Negotiations
A coalition of victims impacted by Iranian-sponsored terrorism has publicly urged the U.S. government, including President Trump and Congress, to mandate that Iran provide restitution before any financial agreements are finalized. These victims and their representatives have demanded that Iran pay reparations, emphasizing that funds must be returned or unfrozen before any peace deal is considered. The group also called for the administration to refill empty compensation funds with Iran's money, referencing agreements like the June 17 MOU.
Take Yomuyo with you
Download the mobile app for personalized headlines and quick access to breaking stories.