Belgium Warns US Against Targeting Iran’s Civilian Infrastructure

(MENAFN) Belgium’s foreign minister cautioned Tuesday that targeting civilian infrastructure would be a blatant breach of international humanitarian law, responding to repeated threats from the United States to strike Iran’s bridges and power facilities.

"Deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure are clear violations of international humanitarian law (IHL)," Maxime Prevot wrote on US social media company X.

"They only mean more suffering among the civilian population. IHL was designed to shield civilians and essential services from conflict. IHL must be respected, in all conflicts and by all parties," he added.

The warning came after US President Trump stated, “a whole civilization will die tonight,” as his deadline for a ceasefire with Iran drew near.

Trump had threatened to bomb bridges and power stations across Iran if Tehran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz and meet his conditions by 8 pm EDT Tuesday (0000GMT Wednesday).

The region has remained on high alert since a joint offensive by Israel and the US against Iran began on February 28, reportedly killing more than 1,400 people, including the then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In response, Tehran has launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations hosting US forces, leading to casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions in global markets and air travel.

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