UN chief tells Trump ‘war is not a game show’ after US bombs civilian targets in Iran

Donald Trump has been accused of treating the Iran conflict as a “game show” by the United Nations humanitarian chief after the US struck civilian targets in the country and threatened to “bomb Iran back to the Stone Age”.

Tom Fletcher, the UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, accused the US president of war crimes by bombing bridges and threatening further attacks on Iran’s infrastructure, and deplored the “reckless” nature of the conflict and its impact on ordinary people in Iran.

“War is not a contest; making peace is not a property deal; the world is not a casino,” said Mr. Fletcher, who worked for three former British prime ministers, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and David Cameron.

“You do not hit civilian infrastructure. This includes hospitals. You do not hit schools, energy sources, bridges. This is a war crime. This is very clear in international law.

Mr Fletcher told the BBC: “Somewhere along the way we put all that aside. We chose the gamble of impunity, indifference and competition over solidarity and humanity.”

He added: “We [UN humanitarian aid workers] “We are dealing with the massive, unintended consequences of this reckless conflict.”

Mr Fletcher argued there had been a “gradual and then sudden deterioration” in the protection of civilians, adding: “This is indisputable.”

His comments came after Mr Trump threatened further attacks on Iran’s infrastructure if the country’s leaders refused to accept US demands.

Posting on Truth Social, he said: “Our largest and most powerful Army anywhere in the world (by far!) hasn’t even begun to destroy what’s left in Iran. Next are bridges, then Power Plants!”

“The New Regime leadership knows what needs to be done and it needs to be done FAST!”

This statement follows an open letter signed by more than 100 international law experts expressing “deep concern” about serious violations of international law by the United States, Israel and Iran.

Legal experts say US behavior and rhetoric in the war is extremely alarming and, in some cases, amounts to a violation of international law. They say the attack on Iran is a clear violation of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force except in self-defense or with the permission of the UN Security Council.

Experts include former U.S. government officials and professors of international law. They note the use of “alarming rhetoric” by US officials, including President Trump’s threat to “destroy” Iran’s power plants.

They also highlight the attack on a school in Minab on the first day of the war; Evidence shows it was the result of a US attack, and they say it could amount to a war crime if evidence is found that those responsible were reckless. The Pentagon announced that it was investigating the attack.

In response to the open letter, a White House spokesman told the BBC that Trump had “made the whole region safer and more stable.”

The spokesman added: “The President is making these incredibly important national security decisions based on the best interests of the American people, not based on the opinions of these so-called ‘experts.'”

Mr. Trump’s threat to “bomb Iran to return it to the Stone Age” was about opening the Strait of Hormuz and the need for a deal to ease the chaos in energy markets.

In the face of ongoing military attacks by the United States and Israel, Iran has tightened its grip on the maritime pinch point, causing global oil and gas prices to soar.

After talks with more than 40 countries around the world, Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper signaled that Iran could face more sanctions if the vital waterway remains closed.

He said collective action to increase pressure on Tehran was being discussed, while accusing Tehran of trying to “hold the global economy hostage” with its pressure on the key trade route.

But Mr Trump renewed his criticism of Britain’s approach to the conflict on Thursday, calling Sir Keir Starmer weak and making a new push for the UK navy.

The US president impersonated the Prime Minister when he said he should ask Sir Keir’s team about sending “two old, broken-down aircraft carriers” to the Middle East.

Mr Trump said Britain “should be our best ally” but did not take part in his latest criticism over Britain’s refusal to be drawn into the conflict with Tehran, revealed in a video at a private Easter lunch at the White House.

This is not the first time the American leader has criticized the UK’s aircraft carriers; he had previously dismissed them as “toys” that were “not the best”.

In the face of criticism from Mr Trump, Ms Cooper said “our job is to make decisions in the UK’s national interest”.

“Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz is a direct threat to global prosperity,” he said in a statement after Thursday’s virtual meeting.

“Iran is trying to hold the global economy hostage in the Strait of Hormuz.

“They should not prevail. To this end, partners today called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Bosphorus and respect for freedom of navigation and the fundamental principles of maritime law.”

Britain is trying to lead the diplomatic push, including France, Germany and some Gulf states, after Mr Trump signaled it was up to others to unblock the waterway, which the US does not trust.

After moderating the video call, Ms Cooper told broadcasters on Thursday: “We had a different view from the US from the beginning and were not driven to take aggressive action in the Middle East because we thought there were real concerns about the risks of escalation, the impacts (including on the economy) and also the need for an appropriate plan.”