Washington: US Democratic Senator Chris Murphy criticized President Donald Trump's latest threats against Iran, stating that they would constitute 'war crimes' if executed. Murphy expressed his concerns on the US social media platform X, urging GOP leaders to intervene and stop the president from committing mass war crimes, as Trump had allegedly communicated to reporters.
According to Anadolu Agency, Trump's comments on his Truth Social platform designated Tuesday as 'Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day' in Iran, escalating tensions amid Iran's shipping restrictions through the Strait of Hormuz. This situation has been contributing to rising global energy prices. Trump's provocative rhetoric included threats to bomb Iran's infrastructure unless the Strait is reopened, raising alarms among US lawmakers.
Murphy further highlighted that Trump's statements did not even attempt to justify military targeting, as the intention to bomb Iran's power plants and bridges was clear. He warned that such actions would lead to civilian casualties, causing national unrest with the potential to destabilize the regime. Murphy emphasized that even partial strikes on infrastructure would result in significant civilian deaths, qualifying as war crimes.
Other lawmakers, including Senators Bernie Sanders and Chuck Schumer, echoed Murphy's concerns. Schumer described Trump's behavior as that of an 'unhinged madman,' while Sanders labeled him a 'mentally unbalanced individual.' Senator Elissa Slotkin also criticized Trump's remarks, stating that they would violate the law of armed conflict and exacerbate global instability.
In response to Trump's aggressive stance, Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari condemned the president as a 'deranged lunatic' and a threat to national and global security. Former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene attributed the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to the US and Israel's actions against Iran, suggesting that Trump's threats only harm Iranian civilians, contradicting his previous claims of liberation.
The growing unease among lawmakers underscores the potential implications of Trump's threats, urging diplomatic resolutions to end the conflict and stabilize the region.