U.S. strikes on Iran may amount to war crimes, experts warn

More than 100 international law experts in the United States have signed an open letter warning that American strikes on Iran may amount to war crimes. The letter, published on Thursday, was released by the Just Security policy journal and cites strikes against Iran's energy and desalination infrastructure as part of a broader campaign. The authors say the conduct of U.S. forces and statements by senior officials raise serious concerns about violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. They point to a mid-March remark from President Trump that the United States may conduct strikes 'just for fun,' as well as comments from Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth arguing that U.S. forces do not fight with 'stupid rules of engagement.' The letter notes that strikes have hit schools, health facilities, and homes, including a school in Iran on the war's first day, and that the Iranian Red Crescent reports 175 dead from the February attack. The U.S. military has said it elevated the investigation into the incident to determine responsibility.

The signatories include scholars from elite institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and the University of California, pointing to a pattern of rhetoric and action that they say violates core norms of humanitarian law. The letter emphasizes the need to distinguish legitimate military targets from civilian infrastructure essential for basic human needs. It warns that missteps could irreparably undermine protections that international law seeks to guarantee in armed conflict.

Trump's public remarks on April 1 described the war as potentially escalating, with threats to strike Iran's energy and oil infrastructure if Tehran does not meet Washington's terms. Critics say such threats risk broadening the conflict and increasing civilian suffering, while others argue that hard-line policy could deter further aggression. The Pentagon's stance on engagement rules has also drawn scrutiny, with officials arguing that war should not be constrained by what some call 'rigid' constraints while civilian harm remains a central concern.

As the rhetoric and military operations unfold, international observers stress the importance of legal accountability and adherence to Geneva conventions. The letter calls for careful scrutiny of civilian casualties and for independent investigations into incidents that may violate international law. In a rapidly changing crisis, the signatories contend that the world must insist on lawful means, proportional responses, and transparent reporting to prevent a slide toward indiscriminate violence.

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