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war

UN humanitarian chief accuses Trump of treating Iran conflict like a game show after US strikes civilian targets

Tom Fletcher, the UN under secretary general for humanitarian affairs, warned that recent US strikes on Iranian targets and President Trump’s threats to hit infrastructure breach international law and risk harming civilians.

Apr 3rd 2026 · Iran

Insights

  • UN under secretary general Tom Fletcher said striking civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, bridges and energy facilities is a war crime under international law.
  • Fletcher made the comments after US strikes in Iran and President Trump publicly threatened further attacks on bridges and power plants.
  • More than 100 international law experts signed an open letter saying actions and rhetoric by the US, Israel and Iran may violate the UN Charter and international law.
  • Evidence suggests a school in Minab was hit on the first day of the conflict and the Pentagon is investigating the strike.
  • The White House defended US actions as making the region safer while Britain is leading diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and consider further pressure on Iran.

Sources