UN Chief Declares 'Reasonable Grounds' for War Crimes in Israel-Iran Conflict
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has asserted there are "reasonable grounds" to believe that both Israel and Iran have committed war crimes following recent military strikes targeting energy infrastructure and resulting in civilian casualties. In an interview with Politico ahead of a European Council summit in Brussels, Guterres emphasised that attacks on such facilities "might constitute a war crime", highlighting the escalating airstrikes and retaliatory actions around the Gulf region this week.
Energy Infrastructure Under Fire
The conflict intensified with Israel striking Iran's South Pars natural gas field, which supplies 75 per cent of Iran's gas and is crucial for the majority of its electricity generation. In retaliation, Tehran launched attacks on Qatar's Ras Laffan plant, the world's largest LNG export hub. Guterres condemned these actions, stating that the growing number of civilian victims leaves both nations vulnerable to potential war crime charges. "I don't see any difference. It doesn't matter who targets civilians. It is totally unacceptable," he declared.
Roots of the Hostilities
Hostilities erupted on 28 February when a joint U.S. and Israeli air campaign killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, prompting Tehran to respond with ballistic missiles and drones across the Middle East. Guterres implied that Israel bears responsibility for perpetuating the conflict, urging U.S. President Donald Trump to persuade Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—currently under indictment for alleged war crimes during the Gaza war—to de-escalate. "The war needs to stop...and I believe that it is in the hands of the U.S. to make it stop," Guterres said, adding that ending the war depends on political will.
Strategic Objectives and U.S. Involvement
Analysing the positions of the involved governments, Guterres suggested that Israel aims for the total destruction of Iran's military capacity and regime change, while Iran's strategy focuses on prolonged resistance and inflicting maximum harm. He asserted that the key to resolution lies with the United States deciding to declare their objectives achieved. Furthermore, Guterres believes Israel motivated America's initial strike on Iran, stating, "I have no doubt that this was something that corresponds to Israel's strategy... to draw the United States into a war. That objective was achieved."
The Independent has reached out to the White House and Israeli authorities for comment, but responses are pending as tensions continue to mount in the region.
