The United Nations has issued a stark warning that US President Donald Trump’s threats to attack civilian infrastructure in Iran could violate international law.
The warning comes as Trump’s Tuesday 8 p.m. deadline looms, heightening tensions in the ongoing conflict. Trump had threatened to destroy Iran’s power plants and “blow up everything over there” if Iran doesn’t agree to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is “alarmed” by Trump’s rhetoric, and his spokesman Stephane Dujarric stated that attacking civilian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, is prohibited under international law.
Dujarric emphasized that even if such targets have military value, the potential harm to civilians could render the strikes illegal.
The UN has urged both the US and Iran to adhere to international law and avoid targeting civilian infrastructure.
This warning marks a rare direct rebuke of the United States by the global body, as Guterres has largely avoided openly criticizing major powers.
Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with countries like Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey pushing for a 45-day ceasefire to prevent further escalation.
However, Iran has rejected a temporary truce, insisting on a permanent end to the conflict.
