By Sabiu Abdullahi

Washington, April 7, 2026 – United States President Donald Trump has said he is unconcerned about accusations of possible war crimes linked to threats of attacks on Iran’s civilian infrastructure. His remarks came as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise over a looming deadline tied to a proposed agreement.

Trump warned that the US could target key facilities such as power plants, bridges, oil wells, and water desalination sites if Iran fails to comply. Such targets are protected under international humanitarian law.

“I’m not worried about it,” Mr Trump said when asked during a press conference on Monday what he would say to those who allege that striking energy facilities would amount to war crimes. “You know the war crime? The war crime is allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” he added.

When pressed further, the US leader described Iran’s leadership as “animals” and accused them of killing large numbers of protesters.

He also spoke about Iran’s oil resources and suggested he would take control of them under different circumstances. “I’d keep the oil, and I would make plenty of money,” he said.

Trump has already issued a deadline for Tehran to reach a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He warned of severe consequences if the demand is not met. In a post on his Truth Social platform, he wrote: “There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F***in’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell.”

At the same briefing, Trump addressed concerns that such attacks could harm civilians. He responded: “It’s suffering. They would be willing to suffer that in order to have freedom.”

The president appeared alongside Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who is facing criticism from US lawmakers. Democrat Yassamin Ansari accused him of supporting unlawful military actions.

“Trump is escalating a devastating, illegal war, threatening massive war crimes and targeting civilian infrastructure in Iran. In the last 48 hours alone, the rhetoric has crossed every line. Pete Hegseth is complicit,” Ansari wrote in a post on X.

“I’ve called for the 25th Amendment and am introducing Articles of Impeachment against Hegseth,” she added.

Criticism also came from other political figures in the United States. Senator Chuck Schumer said: “He’s threatening possible war crimes and alienating allies. This is who he is, but this is not who we are. Our country deserves so much better.”

Senator Chris Murphy described Trump’s remarks as “completely unhinged”.

Marjorie Taylor Greene, once an ally of the president, also reacted strongly. She wrote: “Everyone in his administration that claims to be a Christian needs to fall on their knees and beg forgiveness from God and stop worshipping the President and intervene in Trump’s madness.”

She continued: “Trump threatening to bomb power plants and bridges hurts the Iranian people, the very people Trump claimed he was freeing […] This is not making America great again, this is evil.”

The United Nations has also raised concerns. A spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that international law prohibits attacks on civilian infrastructure.

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

Meanwhile, the White House confirmed that a 45-day ceasefire proposal had been discussed but not approved by Trump. Iran has rejected the temporary arrangement and is instead calling for a permanent end to the conflict.

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