The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday issued a strong condemnation of the United States and Israel, accusing them of violating international humanitarian law.
The condemnation coincided with the 77th anniversary of the adoption of the Fourth Geneva Convention, a key treaty aims at protecting civilian persons during times of war and military occupation.
The ministry denounced Israel's actions in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria over the recent years, stressing that U.S. support for Israel has intensified these violations. Furthermore, the ministry also condemned the recent military operations by the United States and Israel against Iran, noting that these actions have resulted in casualties, including children and students, as well as damage to civilian infrastructure like hospitals and schools.
The ministry emphasized that, under the Fourth Geneva Convention, those responsible for serious violations must be held accountable.
It warned that the ongoing breaches of international humanitarian law could undermine the global system dedicated to these protections and urged all countries to adhere to their international obligations.
In a related development, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said on Thursday that the U.S. military could sustain its naval blockade against Iran "indefinitely."
"Indefinitely, the U.S. Navy can maintain a blockade like that because we'll rotate ships in and out, as we have, and we'll continue to," Hegseth told reporters after addressing the crew aboard the USS Gridley in Panama.
Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), the body responsible for maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, said on Wednesday that the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked and it will not be reopened until Iran's conditions are accepted.
U.S. President Donald Trump claimed earlier Wednesday on Truth Social that the United States has "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz and will "keep it". Iran tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz on Feb 28, barring safe passage of vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States following their joint strikes on the Iranian territory.
Iran condemns US, Israel for violating international humanitarian law
Iran condemns US, Israel for violating international humanitarian law
