BRUSSELS — European Council President António Costa warned on Monday that the targeting of civilian infrastructure including energy facilities is “illegal and unacceptable. The warning came after US President Donald Trump threatened to devastate civilian infrastructure in Iran if it did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Without directly referencing Trump’s comments, Costa said the “targeting of civilian infrastructure, namely energy facilities, is illegal and unacceptable.” “This applies to Russia’s war in Ukraine, and it applies everywhere. The Iranian civilian population is the main victim of the Iranian regime. It would also be the main victim of a widening of the military campaign,” he said. “The European Union urges Iran to immediately put an end to its attacks against countries in the region and to allow for the reestablishment of full freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz,” Costa added. “After five weeks of war in the Middle East, it is clear that only a diplomatic solution will settle its root causes.” The White House has said the US military would always act in accordance with the law, but legal experts have told CNN that attacks on civilian infrastructure such as power facilities would likely constitute a war crime. “The Iranian civilian population is the main victim of the Iranian regime. It would also be the main victim of a widening of the military campaign,” Costa posted on X. On Sunday, Trump appeared to threaten Iran’s critical infrastructure, writing on social media, “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran,” while calling on Tehran to open the Strait in the expletive-laden post. — AgenciesBRUSSELS — European Council President António Costa warned on Monday that the targeting of civilian infrastructure including energy facilities is “illegal and unacceptable. The warning came after US President Donald Trump threatened to devastate civilian infrastructure in Iran if it did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Without directly referencing Trump’s comments, Costa said the “targeting of civilian infrastructure, namely energy facilities, is illegal and unacceptable.” “This applies to Russia’s war in Ukraine, and it applies everywhere. The Iranian civilian population is the main victim of the Iranian regime. It would also be the main victim of a widening of the military campaign,” he said. “The European Union urges Iran to immediately put an end to its attacks against countries in the region and to allow for the reestablishment of full freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz,” Costa added. “After five weeks of war in the Middle East, it is clear that only a diplomatic solution will settle its root causes.” The White House has said the US military would always act in accordance with the law, but legal experts have told CNN that attacks on civilian infrastructure such as power facilities would likely constitute a war crime. “The Iranian civilian population is the main victim of the Iranian regime. It would also be the main victim of a widening of the military campaign,” Costa posted on X. On Sunday, Trump appeared to threaten Iran’s critical infrastructure, writing on social media, “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran,” while calling on Tehran to open the Strait in the expletive-laden post. — Agencies
