ZURICH – The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross called on world leaders Monday to follow international warfare standards both in their statements and military actions, following escalating tensions between the United States and Iran in the Middle East.
ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric issued a statement emphasizing that “States must respect and ensure respect for the rules of war in both what they say and what they do.” She added, “The world cannot succumb to a political culture that prioritises death over life.”
Spoljaric warned that intentional targeting of crucial civilian infrastructure and nuclear sites through threats or military strikes should not become standard practice in modern conflicts.
While the Red Cross statement addressed ongoing Middle Eastern hostilities, it did not specifically identify any particular nations involved.
Critical civilian facilities including electrical grids, water treatment plants, medical centers, transportation networks, residential areas, and educational institutions have been targeted in fighting that started with joint U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran in late February, prompting Iranian retaliation throughout the region.
President Trump has issued an ultimatum demanding Iran reach an agreement by Tuesday’s end to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial energy transport corridor, or face strikes on Iranian power facilities and transportation infrastructure.
Israeli forces targeted Iran’s biggest petrochemical facility on Monday, according to Israel’s defense minister.
