Brussels: The United States has initiated a diplomatic effort urging NATO allies to dismantle the International Criminal Court (ICC) and withdraw from its foundational Rome Statute, as reported by Politico. In a mid-July closed-door meeting in Brussels, US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker pressed member states to cease support for the tribunal, stating, "The United States will systematically dismantle the capabilities of the ICC. we firmly request that you immediately take steps to withdraw." The US Mission to NATO emphasized the need to end what it described as the "charade of the ICC."

According to Anadolu Agency, Whitaker cautioned allied nations that Washington would scrutinize those aligning with America, with US envoys raising the issue in bilateral talks with European counterparts. The diplomatic paper called on partners to assess the perceived threat from the court and publicly denounce its "overreach." Most NATO countries, except the US and Trkiye, have signed the Rome Statute. European diplomats expressed strong reservations about the US stance, with one official labeling the demands as "quite shocking," while another found the intervention "disappointing." The French delegation reiterated its "unwavering support for the ICC," and Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen confirmed the Netherlands' full support for the institution. An ICC spokesperson affirmed the court's dedication to its mandate, stating it would remain "steadfast and resilient" despite attempts to hinder its operations.

In a background briefing, a US State Department spokesperson informed Anadolu that the department is contemplating "a wide range of actions" against the tribunal and its supporters. Washington urges nations allied with American law enforcement and military, or benefiting from US security, to reject the court's authority over US personnel and officials. The spokesperson detailed plans for diplomatic calls by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior leaders to advocate withdrawal by exposing alleged ICC abuses. Washington intends to engage non-member states to leverage their networks and warns of "increased scrutiny" on countries reliant on US aid yet refusing to reject the court's jurisdiction.

Potential measures include revoking visas, imposing travel bans on ICC personnel, and expanding sanctions against the institution and its affiliates. The White House referred Anadolu's inquiry to the State Department, while the US Mission to NATO did not respond immediately.

This campaign follows intensified US actions against the tribunal, stemming from a February 2025 executive order declaring a national emergency over ICC activities involving the US and Israel. Washington imposed sanctions on several court personnel, including ICC President Tomoko Akane and nine judges, in August. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have been wanted by the ICC since 2024 for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.