US EditionLegal Experts Warn of Possible International Law Violations in Iran Conflict
Experts said the threats could violate international law as Trump warned of strikes on civilian infrastructure and said 20% of global oil flows through the strait.
- On Tuesday, Trump set a deadline of Tuesday night for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, threatening the country will face 'Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day' if the vital shipping chokepoint remains closed.
- Via Truth Social, Trump warned that the U.S. would obliterate Iran's Electric Generating Plants, Oil Wells, and Kharg Island, claiming 'you'll be living in Hell' unless the transit route reopens.
- With 20% of the world's oil normally flowing through the Strait of Hormuz, shipping has been all but halted, driving energy prices higher and roiling stock markets as the conflict enters its second month.
- Michael Schmitt, a professor emeritus at the Naval War College, warned that targeting civilian infrastructure could constitute war crimes if strikes cause 'excessive incidental civilian harm' under international law.
- Legal scholars note the U.N. Charter prohibits force unless authorized by the Security Council or in self-defense, contrasting with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's pledge of 'no stupid rules of engagement' last month.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Iran, Trump, and the Imperial Licence to Break the Law
Donald Trump’s war on Iran has done what imperial wars often do. It has stripped the familiar vocabulary to the bone. The old words are still there, of course. Security. Stability. Deterrence. Order. But they no longer conceal very much. When a president threatens to wreck power plants, bridges, and the wider conditions of civilian […] The post Iran, Trump, and the Imperial Licence to Break the Law appeared first on Modern Diplomacy.
Albert Jónsson, a security and defense expert and former ambassador, says it is difficult to scrutinize the latest statements by US President Donald Trump. During his presidency, he has issued various statements that he does not stand by. It must be assumed that the same applies now.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 41% of the sources lean Left, 41% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
