UN Condemns Threats to Iran as Potential War Crimes

United Nations officials on Tuesday condemned escalating rhetoric in the Middle East conflict, warning that threats to destroy civilian infrastructure in Iran could constitute war crimes under international law. The statements followed a social media post by U.S. President Donald Trump, who set an 8 p.m. EDT deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and warned that "a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again" if the demand was not met.

The post, shared on Trump's Truth Social platform, came amid ongoing U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran, which began on February 28. Trump has threatened strikes on power plants, bridges, and other key infrastructure unless Tehran agrees to a ceasefire and restores navigation in the strait, through which about 20 percent of global oil passes. Iranian officials have rejected the latest U.S. proposals, maintaining control of the waterway and contributing to a worldwide energy crisis that has disrupted markets and aviation.

In response to Trump's remarks, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern through spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, stating that "no military objective justifies...