TEHRAN (Web Desk) – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday that recent US military strikes on Iranian targets amount to war crimes under international law, as tensions between Tehran and Washington continue to rise following weeks of military confrontation.
In a statement released through his official channels, Araghchi said the United States had targeted infrastructure and facilities inside Iran in violation of international humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter. He maintained that such attacks should be investigated by the international community and that those responsible should be held accountable through legal mechanisms.
According to the Iranian foreign minister, attacks on civilian infrastructure are prohibited under the Geneva Conventions and other international legal instruments governing armed conflict. He said governments and international organisations have a responsibility to ensure compliance with these laws and to investigate alleged violations wherever they occur.
Araghchi also said that individuals who order or carry out attacks prohibited under international law cannot avoid responsibility by claiming they were acting under instructions from senior officials. He urged the international community to uphold international legal standards regardless of the parties involved in the conflict.
The remarks came amid continued tensions between Iran and the United States following military exchanges that have heightened concerns over regional security and global energy supplies.
The United States has carried out a series of military operations against Iranian-linked targets in recent weeks. Washington has consistently said its actions are directed at military objectives and are intended to protect US personnel, regional partners and freedom of navigation in strategic waterways.
US officials have maintained that American military operations comply with international law and are designed to counter security threats in the region. At the time of writing, Washington had not issued an immediate response to Araghchi’s latest remarks.
The renewed confrontation has focused international attention on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes. Around one-fifth of globally traded crude oil passes through the narrow waterway, making any disruption a significant concern for international energy markets.
Rising geopolitical tensions have contributed to volatility in global oil prices, with investors closely monitoring developments in the Gulf region. Analysts say any prolonged military escalation could disrupt shipping, increase insurance costs and affect energy supplies worldwide.
The latest exchange of statements also comes as diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions remain stalled. Several governments, including regional and European countries, have repeatedly called for restraint and renewed dialogue to prevent the conflict from expanding further.
International humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, establishes rules governing the conduct of armed conflict. These rules prohibit deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian objects and require parties to distinguish between military and civilian targets. Whether specific military actions constitute war crimes is ultimately determined through legal investigations and judicial processes based on available evidence.
Legal experts note that allegations of war crimes are serious and require independent examination before responsibility can be established under international law. International courts and investigative bodies generally assess such claims by reviewing evidence, witness testimony and the circumstances surrounding individual incidents.
Iran has previously raised similar concerns before international forums, including the United Nations, calling for investigations into military actions it says have affected civilian infrastructure. The United States has repeatedly defended its military operations, arguing that they are necessary to address security threats and protect its interests and allies.
The latest comments by Araghchi underscore the deepening political divide between Tehran and Washington at a time when diplomatic engagement remains limited and regional tensions continue to pose risks to stability across the Middle East.
With military activity continuing and no immediate breakthrough in diplomatic efforts, international observers say the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the current crisis moves toward de-escalation or develops into a broader regional confrontation.
