The United Nations’ most senior humanitarian official has accused US President Donald Trump of committing war crimes through the bombing of civilian infrastructure in Iran and his threats of further attacks, condemning the conflict as a “game show” approach to global security.
Tom Fletcher, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, stated in an interview with the BBC that the US actions represent a clear breach of international law. “You don’t hit civilian infrastructure. That includes hospitals. You don’t hit schools, energy sources, bridges. That is a war crime. That is absolutely clear in international law,” he said. Fletcher, who took up his UN post in October 2024 after a career as a British diplomat and adviser to Prime Ministers Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, and David Cameron, argued there had been a “gradual and then sudden deterioration in the protection of civilians” during the conflict.
Legal experts echo war crimes concerns
Mr Fletcher’s condemnation is supported by more than 100 international law experts, who have published a letter expressing “profound concern” over serious alleged violations of international law by the US, Israel, and Iran. The letter, published by the Just Security Forum, states that the US-Israeli war on Iran may itself breach the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force outside of self-defence or Security Council authorisation.
The experts, a group which includes former US government officials and professors, highlight that intentionally attacking civilian objects is prohibited under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), specifically the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols. They point to “alarming rhetoric” from US officials, including President Trump’s public threats, as deeply concerning. The legal experts argue that deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure like power plants and bridges, or conducting attacks with reckless disregard for civilian life, can constitute a war crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
As a specific case, they cite the attack on a school in Minab on the first day of the war, which evidence suggests was the result of a US strike. The Pentagon has confirmed it is investigating the attack, which initial reports suggest may have been based on outdated intelligence. The law experts state that such an attack could amount to a war crime if evidence proves recklessness. Mr Fletcher underscored this point, stating “This stuff is not negotiable,” and lamented that the world had “chosen impunity, indifference and game show gambling over solidarity and humanity.”
Trump’s threats and the global economic fallout
The UN chief’s comments came directly in response to statements made by President Trump on his Truth Social platform. The President threatened further escalation, writing: “Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants!” He had previously threatened to “bomb Iran back to the Stone Ages” if the country’s leadership did not agree to US demands, specifically regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
In the face of ongoing military strikes, Iran has tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil and gas shipments. This has sent energy prices skyrocketing. According to reports, Iran is operating the Strait as a de facto toll booth, charging for passage and giving preferential treatment to ships from friendly nations, with some vessels paying tolls in Chinese yuan.
In response to this economic stranglehold, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper chaired a virtual meeting with more than 40 nations to discuss coordinated action. Ms Cooper accused Iran of trying to “hold the global economy hostage” and signalled that Tehran could face further sanctions if the vital waterway remains closed. The meeting called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait. Notably, the United States did not attend this diplomatic initiative, with President Trump having stated that securing the waterway, which the US does not rely upon, is not America’s responsibility.
A White House spokesperson, responding to the international law experts’ letter, told the BBC that President Trump was “making the entire region safer and more stable,” adding that “The president does not make these incredibly important national security decisions based on the opinions of these so-called ‘experts’, but on the best interest of the American people.”
President Trump has also been openly critical of the United Kingdom’s approach to the conflict. In a video from a private White House lunch, he mocked Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as weak and dismissed the UK’s aircraft carriers as “toys.” Foreign Secretary Cooper, addressing this criticism, stated that “our job is to take decisions in the UK national interest,” explaining that Britain chose not to be drawn into offensive action due to concerns about escalation risks and the need for a proper plan.
