US Threat of No Quarter for Iran Raises International Law Concerns

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated that there will be “no quarter” shown to Iran during the ongoing military campaign against the country. Hegseth made this statement to reporters on Friday.

The International Crisis Group has expressed concerns over Hegseth’s comments, citing international law and treaties that prohibit such statements. The Hague Convention and other international agreements define “no quarter” as a threat that is illegal under domestic laws, including the 1996 War Crimes Act. US military manuals also warn against making such threats.

Hegseth has previously dismissed concerns about international law, stating he would abide by no “stupid rules of engagement.” His comments have raised questions among experts about whether measures designed to prevent civilian harm are being ignored in favor of a campaign of maximum lethality.

The US and Israel have faced allegations of violating international law during their war against Iran. The conflict has resulted in at least 1,444 Iranian deaths and millions more displaced. Prohibitions against declaring “no quarter” date back over a century, as part of an effort to impose restraints on conduct during war.

Recent incidents, including a US strike on a girls’ school in southern Iran that killed over 170 people, have sparked concern among experts. The US military has faced criticism for killing civilians in military operations for decades.

Source: Al Jazeera