USA/Iran: Trump’s warning that USA will attack Iran’s power plants is a threat to commit war crimes

Amnesty International warns that targeting energy infrastructure risks massive civilian harm. The organization criticized statements suggesting potential U.S. strikes on Iran’s power plants, arguing that such actions could violate international humanitarian law and lead to catastrophic consequences for civilians.

Power plants are critical to basic human survival systems. Disrupting electricity would immediately impact water supply, hospitals, food production, and communication networks—potentially plunging millions into crisis conditions and long-term instability.

Both sides are being urged to avoid escalation. Amnesty also called on Iranian authorities to halt threats against regional energy infrastructure and ensure access to essential services, including restoring full internet connectivity.

Legal concerns center on proportionality and civilian protection. Even if infrastructure is considered a military target, international law prohibits attacks that would cause disproportionate harm to civilians—raising the risk that such strikes could be classified as war crimes.

Tensions escalated after a U.S. ultimatum over the Strait of Hormuz. On March 21, President Donald Trump warned Iran it had 48 hours to reopen the strategic waterway, threatening to “obliterate” Iranian power plants if demands were not met.

Iran signaled broad retaliation targeting regional infrastructure. Tehran responded that it could strike U.S.-linked energy assets and infrastructure across Gulf countries, raising the risk of a wider regional conflict.

A temporary pause followed diplomatic contacts. By March 23, Trump announced discussions aimed at de-escalation and ordered a five-day delay on potential strikes against Iranian energy facilities.

Attacks have already impacted civilian infrastructure and shipping. Incidents include damage to a desalination plant in Bahrain and multiple maritime attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, with casualties among seafarers and disruptions to global trade routes.

Civilian casualties continue to rise across the region. Hundreds of women and children are reported among the dead in Iran, while additional fatalities have been recorded across Gulf states, Israel, and the West Bank.