Experts say Trump's threats to destroy Iran's infrastructure could be considered war crime - PBS

PBS
April 6, 2026
2 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Experts say President Trump's threats to destroy Iran's infrastructure could be considered war crimes.

AI Summary

Experts cited by PBS state that President Trump's threats to destroy Iran's infrastructure could be interpreted as war crimes. These threats, if carried out, would target civilian infrastructure, a key component of the laws of armed conflict. This assessment raises significant international legal concerns regarding the conduct of potential military actions. Such declarations could prompt scrutiny from international bodies and human rights organizations.

Source Coverage Map

21 of 43 tracked sources covered this story

49% coverage
Did Not Cover (22)
ICIJ97AP News96AP US News96ProPublica95Bellingcat95+17 more

Following this story?

Get notified when new coverage appears

Other Sources Covering This Story

5 sources

Multiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.

Should this be getting more attention?

You Might Have Missed

Related stories from different sources and perspectives

US warns of Iran-affiliated cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure across country
National Security

US warns of Iran-affiliated cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure across country

<p>Security agencies say municipalities should watch out for unusual activity, especially in water and energy sectors</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/apr/07/iran-war-live-updates-trump-hormuz-threats-deadline-strikes-middle-east-conflict">Middle East crisis – live updates</a></p></li></ul><p>Top government security agencies issued a warning of Iran-affiliated cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure across the US on Tuesday. In a <a href="https://www.ic3.gov/CSA/2026/260407.pdf">joint statement</a>, the agencies said municipalities, especially in the water and energy sectors, should be on the lookout for unusual activity.</p><p>“Cyberattacks on drinking water and wastewater systems directly threaten public health and community resilience,”<strong> </strong>Jeffrey Hall, an assistant administrator for enforcement and compliance assurance for the<strong> </strong>Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), said in a statement. “A single breach can disrupt...

The Guardian US NewsApr 7
Are war crimes being committed in the Middle East war?
Global

Are war crimes being committed in the Middle East war?

With US and Israeli strikes on Iran's critical infrastructure already underway Tuesday amid threats of more to come, the UN and other organisations have warned that such attacks could constitute war crimes.

© Vahid Salemi, APApr 7
US and Iraqi officials say kidnapped journalist had been warned of threats - AP News
Global

US and Iraqi officials say kidnapped journalist had been warned of threats - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirwFBVV95cUxQZVhrRDNicGRmVnIxVE1SeDRfcFI4M0NkSUZxWUhPaE5UMU10bkZoSjROUF9VTkdNTlhyWFJ1UWdlUVBORFZqTlFmZnNvMm5QVTAxb2pvRUpmendtS0l2V0h6aHVZaUk2R00wRTFub1FsTGdnRFVpMjBPVENOTi1Sc2VjU25TN2pSVXBpcXh3WWt2T1V1MThHSm9VeGRMR25ER1FZQl95bFgxNDNzRXB3?oc=5" target="_blank">US and Iraqi officials say kidnapped journalist had been warned of threats</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsApr 1
WATCH LIVE: Hegseth and Caine hold Pentagon briefing as Trump threatens Iran's infrastructure
National Security

WATCH LIVE: Hegseth and Caine hold Pentagon briefing as Trump threatens Iran's infrastructure

In his news conference Monday, President Donald Trump threatened to blow up every bridge and power plant in Iran, action that would be so far-reaching that some experts in military law said it could constitute a war crime.

PBS NewsHourApr 6
Breaking down Trump's address on Iran war
Politics

Breaking down Trump's address on Iran war

President Trump told Americans Wednesday in a prime-time address that the Iran war will "end soon." CBS News chief Washington analyst Robert Costa breaks down the president's remarks and what those close to Mr. Trump are saying.

CBS NewsApr 2
Protesters swarm US embassy in Tel Aviv, demanding end of wars
Global

Protesters swarm US embassy in Tel Aviv, demanding end of wars

Protesters gathered outside the US embassy in Tel Aviv, calling for an end to the war with Iran and Lebanon.

Al JazeeraApr 6
Read Next
Trump, hours until deadline, threatens Iran's 'whole civilization will die tonight'
Global

Trump, hours until deadline, threatens Iran's 'whole civilization will die tonight'

President Trump issued the grave new warning against Iran's "whole civilization" if it doesn't agree to his demands by Tuesday night.

Continue reading

Did this story change how you see things?

Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.

Share this story

Get the daily digest

Save for later

The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.

See our sources