Trump Claims Iranians Welcome US Strikes, Dismisses War Crime Concerns
In a controversial statement from the White House press room on Monday, former President Donald Trump claimed that Iranian civilians are actively welcoming joint US and Israeli strikes on their country's infrastructure. He asserted, without providing any proof, that these citizens are "willing to suffer" the loss of power and basic services to achieve freedom from the Islamic Republic.
Dismissal of Civilian Impact
Trump dismissed widespread concerns that targeting Iran's power grid and civilian infrastructure would punish ordinary Iranians rather than the regime. He cited unspecified US intelligence intercepts, quoting civilians near bombing sites as saying, "Please keep bombing." He added, "These are people that are living where the bombs are exploding," though no evidence was presented to support these claims.
Accusations of War Crimes
The remarks came as Democratic lawmakers and Iran's mission to the United Nations accused the administration of preparing to commit war crimes. Senator Chris Murphy posted on social media that Trump had expressed intent to commit "mass war crimes," while Iran's UN mission stated the threats provide "clear evidence of intent to commit war crime" by targeting bridges and power plants, which could violate the Geneva conventions.
Invocation of Past Protests
Trump invoked the 2022 "Woman, Life, Freedom" protest movement in Iran, describing snipers shooting female protesters "right between the eyes." He argued that Iranians have endured such severe repression that they would welcome almost any price for regime change, characterizing the crackdown as involving a small number of expert marksmen ending a large march with targeted killings.
Military Threats and Deadlines
At the press conference, Trump threatened that Iran "can be taken out in one night, and that might be tomorrow night." He reiterated a deadline of 8pm ET on Tuesday for the regime to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face a barrage of strikes on energy facilities and bridges. Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth, flanking Trump alongside Gen Daniel Caine, said that under the president's direction, "today will be the largest volume of strikes since day one of this operation," with even more planned for tomorrow.
Defiance and Uncertainty
When a reporter noted that deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure violate the Geneva conventions, Trump replied, "I hope I don't have to do it, but again ... 47 years they've been negotiating with these people. They're great negotiators, and because they're not going to have a nuclear weapon." He declined to comment on a ceasefire or whether the war is winding down or ramping up, stating, "I can't tell you."
The claims have sparked a dilemma for US officers, who face potential orders that could conflict with international law, as the situation escalates amid ongoing military operations.
