U.S. sanctions target the International Criminal Court

The United States imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court as an institution on October 9, broadening earlier measures against individual court officials and restricting transactions with the tribunal under U.S. jurisdiction. The move drew condemnation from ICC officials and Navi Pillay, the former court judge who was awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize that day. The sanctions block property and interests in property held by the ICC under U.S. jurisdiction and generally prohibit providing funds, goods or services to or for the court. A six-month transition period allows certain transactions to be wound down, while licenses permit specified activities to continue temporarily, including some technology, maintenance and pension services. The State Department said the period would give countries that belong to the court time to pursue diplomatic and legal solutions to U.S. concerns. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington acted over objections to the court’s jurisdiction and its actions involving Americans and Israeli officials.