UN affirms that Iranian civilian targets are not legitimate in war
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The United Nations (UN) has reminded that attacks on civilian infrastructure in war constitute a violation of international law, following threats by United States President Donald Trump to blow up bridges and power plants in Iran.
UN Secretary-General’s Spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, as quoted from the world body’s website, stated during a press conference at UN Headquarters on Monday (6/4) that his side is concerned about the threats made by Trump via social media platform Truth Social.
“We are shocked by the rhetoric in that social media post threatening US attacks on power plants, bridges, and other civilian infrastructure if Iran does not agree to any deal,” Dujarric said, based on the press conference transcript monitored in Jakarta on Tuesday.
“Any attack on civilian infrastructure is a clear violation of international law,” he added.
According to Dujarric, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has conveyed that civilian facilities, particularly energy facilities, must not be attacked.
International humanitarian law also prohibits attacks on civilian facilities that qualify as military targets if such attacks could cause significant civilian casualties, he said.
He stated that the UN Secretary-General continues to urge all parties to fulfil their obligations under international law even during times of war.
“Once again, the UN Secretary-General emphasises that now is the time for all parties to end the conflict, as there is no alternative other than a peaceful international resolution to the conflict,” Dujarric remarked.
Previously, on 30 March, Donald Trump said he would “blow up and completely destroy” all power plants, oil refineries, desalination facilities, and Kharg Island if a peace agreement fails to be reached and the Strait of Hormuz is not opened.
On Sunday (5/4), Trump again threatened to attack power plants and bridges in Iran on 7 April if Tehran does not restore shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
In response to Trump’s threats, the UK government has stated it will not allow the US to use its military bases to launch attacks on civilian infrastructure in Iran, according to the daily The i Paper on Monday.