WASHINGTON, April 7, 2026 – President Donald Trump’s threat to “blow up every bridge and power plant” in Iran has prompted legal experts and United Nations officials to warn that such widespread strikes could constitute a war crime.
Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Trump issued an ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He declared that every Iranian power plant would be “burning, exploding and never to be used again” if Tehran refused. When asked if he was concerned about committing war crimes, Trump replied, “No, not at all.”
Why It Could Be a War Crime
Under international law, attacking civilian infrastructure is banned. A spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Stephane Dujarric, warned that even if a power plant served a military purpose, an attack must not cause “excessive incidental civilian harm.”
Legal scholars say cutting electricity to hospitals, water treatment plants, and millions of homes would likely lead to civilian deaths.
“What Trump is saying is, ‘We don’t care about precision, we don’t care about impact on civilians, we’re just going to take out all of Iranian power generating capacity,’” said Rachel VanLandingham, a former US Air Force judge advocate and professor at Southwestern Law School.
Political Reactions
Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen called the threat a “textbook war crime.” However, Republican Senator Joni Ernst defended the president, arguing that Iran’s infrastructure is also used by its military.
“If he needs leverage, he’s using that leverage,” Ernst said.
The White House defended Trump’s stance, with spokesperson Anna Kelly stating, “The Iranian people welcome the sound of bombs because it means their oppressors are losing.”
What Comes Next
Experts note that even if the strikes were technically legal, causing mass civilian harm could backfire, prolonging the war and strengthening Iran’s leadership through propaganda. Legal accountability, if any, would likely have to come from the US Congress, a highly unlikely prospect given Trump’s broad legal immunity.$XRP
Source: Associated Press via Deccan Chronicle, April 7, 2026#TrumpDeadlineOnIran $BTC