Would Trump’s Threatened Attacks on Iran’s Infrastructure Be a War Crime?
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
Four legal experts are weighing whether President Trump’s threatened attacks on Iran’s infrastructure would be a war crime.
AI Summary
President Donald Trump has escalated threats to target civilian sites in Iran if the country does not re-open the Strait of Hormuz by 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday. He vowed to bomb civilian power plants and bridges, and stated on Truth Social that "A whole civilization will die tonight." U.S. lawmakers, human rights organizations, and experts on international law, including Yale Law School professors Oona Hathaway and Harold Koh, warn that such attacks would amount to war crimes. Trump has dismissed these concerns, saying he was "not at all" worried about committing war crimes during a Monday press conference. Legal experts indicate that targeting civilian infrastructure or threatening violence against a civilian population violates international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.
Source Coverage Map
28 of 43 tracked sources covered this story
Following this story?
Get notified when new coverage appears
Other Sources Covering This Story
5 sourcesMultiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.

Exclusive: Intelligence report warned of Iran's 'persistent threat' to US as White House downplayed the risk - Reuters

Trump’s Iran Threats Look Like Self-Incrimination for Potential War Crimes - The New York Times

With Threat to Wipe Out Iran’s Civilization, Trump’s Rhetoric Goes Beyond Bluster
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
National SecurityUS 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...
National SecurityWATCH 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.
National SecurityIran official calls for youths to gather at power plants ahead of threatened Trump strikes - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi4gFBVV95cUxNS3FBcWlsbjNoTUpaS0NrSWpPYVVQTXNQdUk4ZDRxWXN0d3RfZWdDWEZSY3NBcGw4NkVGaDRXYXc2d0ZxQktaa3hPMWZNNXUwb19Vazg0clJtd1pNVHo1MGluYjZwMXpUR2pseGptbXloUmZha1JIMkVGRHcyRWFydjhRVUdHcThwcWRQTTZlUGU0NlRyMzFRV3FqaGI2Z1kyM201QldOZUhhWk93TmcyZnNodTlPSE1wSkVGTElsbjBwNUtCSFFrSFJ5YlBqYzdKd2lGajdMSXlVam1RdzFJVlFR?oc=5" target="_blank">Iran official calls for youths to gather at power plants ahead of threatened Trump strikes</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
GlobalAre 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.
Trump makes case for Iran war. And, SCOTUS leans toward upholding birthright citizenship
President Trump addressed the nation last night, making his case for war with Iran. And, the Supreme Court majority seemed inclined to rule against the Trump administration on birthright citizenship.
PoliticsTrump uses Iran war address to urge an increasingly skeptical electorate to give him a bit more time - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiowFBVV95cUxOd3VUSlozVksta1Y0bEJTeDhrclpNanNHblplNkwwNHp2RjJkNUhBVWVpQ3hYajIwUF9mZm1kd2Z6WV82ckI4TXJhRnhqT3E0czVpRVBtUWNEdFNKWUctUnE3WHJtX3B3NEhOMlhJN1NtQUZsWEN2V0pKVUtVRGVvbjJhQnI3T0xTcEFlOTJsVHZGU2gwTW04OTNjclp0YkRBQllR?oc=5" target="_blank">Trump uses Iran war address to urge an increasingly skeptical electorate to give him a bit more time</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

US strikes military targets on Iran's Kharg Island, US official says - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiuAFBVV95cUxPOGRwY2dBZmxXZklNdEYtNlIwU1NnSFc0a05RbkxIQWppT0pPaVFQQWgwRjdKRmhpMTNTMEdkZWFfbWVzUXg2b0tZdnppVHRBekVOeGtIajRud2JrQ3Jwdi1HV0xuNDNVUzZ2N21rSGVXeENGY256ZjdkYjNRVlIxbTJzbnVOTlZIYkZVV0VPOFFUUHZhVzJkT3VKQnNnbF8tQlVfSjcwZkhMc21XRUxGMk5mTVJGUnV5?oc=5" target="_blank">US strikes military targets on Iran's Kharg Island, US official says</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
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.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
First Thing: Trump launches tirade against Europe for not joining Iran war

Congress gave money for global HIV work. The Trump administration isn't spending it

Exclusive: US upends global supply program for malaria and HIV amid warnings of gaps - Reuters

Protests erupt in West Bank as Israel approves death penalty for Palestinians

Over-the-counter medication abortion? These researchers say it would be safe



