Trump repeats threat to target Iran infrastructure, dismisses war crime concerns

SHAH ALAM - United States (US) President Donald Trump has renewed threats of potential military action against Iran, warning that key infrastructure such as bridges and power plants could be targeted if Tehran fails to meet a deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Amid escalating tensions, Trump also dismissed concerns that such actions could violate international law, stating he is not concerned about the possibility of committing war crimes.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump declined to clarify whether civilian infrastructure would be excluded from potential targets, reiterating that the US has the military capability to strike critical facilities if Tehran fails to meet a Tuesday 8pm Eastern Time deadline.

“We have a plan, because of the power of our military, where every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 o’clock tomorrow night.

“Power plants in Iran would be burning, exploding and never to be used again,” Trump said during the press conference.

The United Nations (UN) has cautioned that deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure could breach international law.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that such actions are restricted under international humanitarian law.

His spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said even if infrastructure could be classified as a military objective, an attack would still be prohibited if it risks “excessive incidental civilian harm.”

Dujarric added that any determination of whether such attacks constitute war crimes would ultimately need to be decided by a court.

Despite the warning, Trump maintained his stance, saying, “I hope I do not have to do it,” while reiterating the US’ preparedness for military action.

Iran has rejected a proposed 45-day ceasefire, instead calling for a permanent end to the war.

“We only accept an end to the war with guarantees that we will not be attacked again,” said Head of the Iranian diplomatic mission in Cairo Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour.

The conflict has intensified following a wave of attacks reportedly carried out by Israel and the US on Monday, resulting in more than 25 deaths. Iran responded with missile strikes targeting Israel and neighbouring Gulf Arab states, escalating concerns of a broader regional conflict.

Efforts are also underway to prevent further escalation along key regional transit routes.

Lebanon’s General Security chief Hassan Choucair said the US and Egypt are urging Israel not to target the Masnaa border crossing between Lebanon and Syria.

According to Choucair, ongoing diplomatic contacts are aimed at protecting and reopening the crossing, which has been closed since Saturday following Israeli warnings that it could be targeted over alleged weapons smuggling involving Hezbollah.

Officials in Lebanon and Syria have denied the allegations, stating that vehicles passing through the crossing are subject to thorough inspections.

The closure has forced travellers to take longer alternative routes, with more than 200,000 people reported to have crossed from Lebanon into Syria over the past five weeks amid the escalating conflict.

Trump also expressed frustration with allies, criticising NATO and Pacific partners for what he described as insufficient support for efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

“You know who else did not help us? South Korea did not help us. You know who else did not help us? Australia did not help us. You know who else did not help us? Japan.

“We have got 50,000 soldiers in Japan to protect them from North Korea. We have 45,000 soldiers in South Korea to protect us from Kim Jong Un, who I get along with very well,” he said.

The remarks highlight growing tensions between Washington and its allies as geopolitical pressures mount across the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.