Trump Threatens Destruction of Iran's Infrastructure

Experts raise concerns over potential war crimes and violations of international law

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:18am

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A photorealistic painting of a lone oil refinery or power plant structure set against a warm, hazy sky, with dramatic lighting and shadows conveying a sense of political unease and uncertainty.As the U.S.-Iran conflict escalates, the threat of attacks on civilian infrastructure raises concerns over potential violations of international law.Washington Today

President Donald Trump has made a series of threatening statements about plans to destroy Iran's infrastructure, including power plants, oil facilities, and desalination plants. Experts in military law have raised concerns that such actions could constitute war crimes under international law if they cause disproportionate harm to civilians.

Why it matters

Trump's rhetoric has escalated tensions with Iran and raised questions about the legality of potential U.S. military actions. Attacks on civilian infrastructure could violate principles of international law regarding proportionality and distinction between military and civilian targets.

The details

In recent statements, Trump has threatened to "blow up every bridge and power plant" in Iran, warning that "a whole civilization will die tonight." He has also targeted Kharg Island, central to Iran's oil industry, and desalination plants that provide drinking water. Experts say such strikes could constitute war crimes if they cause disproportionate harm to civilians, even if the facilities also serve military purposes.

  • On Monday, Trump set a deadline of Tuesday night for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Last month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said there would be "no stupid rules of engagement" in the conflict.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who has made threatening statements about destroying Iran's infrastructure.

Pete Hegseth

The U.S. Defense Secretary who said there would be "no stupid rules of engagement" in the conflict with Iran.

Antonio Guterres

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, whose spokesman warned that attacking civilian infrastructure is banned under international law.

Rachel VanLandingham

A Southwestern Law School professor and retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel who said Trump's rhetoric shows a disregard for civilian casualties.

Marieke de Hoon

An associate professor of international criminal law at the University of Amsterdam who said the U.N. Charter only permits the use of force if authorized by the Security Council or in self-defense.

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What they’re saying

“What Trump is saying is, 'We don't care about precision, we don't care about impact on civilians, we're just going to take out all of Iranian power generating capacity.'”

— Rachel VanLandingham, Southwestern Law School professor and retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel

“Even if specific civilian infrastructure were to qualify as a military objective, an attack would still be prohibited if it risks 'excessive incidental civilian harm.'”

— Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

What’s next

The conflict between the U.S. and Iran continues to escalate, with the potential for further military action and violations of international law. The international community will be closely monitoring the situation and any potential U.S. strikes on Iranian infrastructure.

The takeaway

Trump's threatening rhetoric about destroying Iran's infrastructure raises serious concerns about potential war crimes and the legality of U.S. military actions under international law. Experts warn that such strikes, even on dual-use facilities, could cause disproportionate harm to civilians and violate principles of distinction and proportionality.