In an official statement, Iran condemned the United States for actions it described as 'unprecedented violations' of the Geneva Conventions. The accusation comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries, fueled by disputes ranging from Iran's nuclear program to economic sanctions.
Iran emphasized that US actions, including sanctions and military pressure, not only infringe on national sovereignty but also contradict the humanitarian principles upheld by the Geneva Conventions. Tehran argued that these measures severely impact civilians, including by restricting access to essential goods and medical services.
International legal experts note that the Geneva Conventions, first signed in 1864 and revised multiple times, set minimum standards for humane treatment during war, including protections for civilians, the wounded, and prisoners of war. However, the application of these conventions to modern conflicts and economic sanctions remains a contentious issue.
The US has not yet issued an official response to Iran's allegations. Previously, Washington has maintained that its sanctions target specific objectives and are not intended to harm civilians, asserting full compliance with international law.
Tensions between the two nations have escalated in recent years, particularly after the US withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions. Iran responded by ramping up uranium enrichment and limiting cooperation with international inspectors.