US Lawmakers Condemn Trump’s Threats to Attack Iranian Civilian Infrastructure

US Senator Chris Murphy and other lawmakers have condemned President Donald Trump’s threats to strike Iran’s civilian infrastructure, warning such actions would constitute war crimes and risk mass civilian casualties. Trump’s pledge to target power plants and bridges if Iran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz has drawn bipartisan criticism, with experts saying attacks on non-military sites could escalate the conflict, destabilize the region, and disrupt global energy supplies.

US Senator Chris Murphy has sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s escalating threats against Iran, warning that any attacks on civilian infrastructure could amount to war crimes. Speaking on Monday, Murphy accused Trump of addressing reporters with intentions that could result in the deaths of thousands of innocent people and urged Republican leaders to take action to prevent what he described as potential violations of international law.
The controversy follows Trump’s recent statements indicating that he would target Iran’s power plants, bridges, and other critical infrastructure if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global oil shipments. Experts and critics have expressed alarm that such strikes would have devastating consequences for civilians, potentially disrupting electricity, transportation, and other essential services. The warnings come amid growing international concern that military escalation could destabilize the region and provoke a broader conflict.
Murphy emphasized that even so-called limited attacks on civilian infrastructure would result in massive loss of life without achieving the strategic objectives claimed by the president. He said that targeting bridges and power plants constitutes a clear violation of both moral and legal standards under international law, highlighting that deliberate attacks on non-military assets are prohibited by the rules of war.
Several other lawmakers have also voiced their criticism of Trump’s statements. Senator Bernie Sanders and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer publicly condemned the rhetoric, warning that such threats against civilian populations are reckless and dangerous. Senator Elissa Slotkin stressed that such actions would violate the law of armed conflict, which is designed to protect civilians during times of war. Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari described the president’s comments as a direct threat to national security, while former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene argued that any strategy focusing on civilian targets would harm ordinary Iranian citizens without delivering meaningful strategic gains.
In recent days, Trump has reinforced his warnings, increasing the risk of a military confrontation as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz continue to drive up global energy prices. Analysts warn that targeting civilian infrastructure would not only risk mass casualties but could also provoke retaliation, potentially expanding the conflict and causing long-term instability in the Middle East. The international community has repeatedly emphasized the importance of distinguishing between combatants and civilians in military operations, cautioning that failure to adhere to these norms undermines both humanitarian principles and long-term strategic interests.