US reviews Iran targets to avoid war crimes accusations — Politico
Military still debating which targets can be attacked (photo: Getty Images)
The Pentagon is expanding the list of targets in Iran that it could strike. Review of targets may serve as a workaround if the Trump administration faces war crimes accusations, Politico reports.
According to two Pentagon officials, military planners are reviewing the list of targets as the United States and Israel search for new targets for airstrikes after five weeks of around-the-clock attacks on military facilities, as well as an increase in the number of US ground troops in the region.
In particular, energy facilities are being considered as potential targets, including sites that supply fuel and electricity to both civilians and the military.
According to officials, dual-use makes the targets legitimate. However, a third source says Pentagon representatives are arguing over how justified such an explanation is.
The tension lies in where to draw the line between military and civilian targets, such as water treatment facilities that could be considered targets since the military also needs water for drinking.
As Politico writes, the US and Israel's bombing campaign has generally not affected the country's energy and fuel supplies. But as frustration grows in the White House over Iran's refusal to capitulate, the list of targets has expanded.
Trump threatens to bomb Iran
US President Donald Trump gave Iran until 20:00 this Tuesday to open the Strait of Hormuz. Otherwise, the American leader promised to bomb bridges and power plants across Iran.
Yesterday, the UN warned that it is concerned about Trump's threats and added that if civilians are harmed as a result of the attacks, it would constitute a violation of international law and could be considered a war crime.
Journalists asked Trump about this yesterday, to which he replied that a war crime is allowing Iran to have nuclear weapons.
