Arabic version: تصريحات وزير الدفاع الأمريكي تثير جدلاً قانونياً حول الصراع مع إيران

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has come under fire for his declaration that the U.S. will show ‘no quarter’ to Iran during ongoing military operations. Rights groups and analysts assert that such statements violate international law. According to Al Jazeera, Hegseth’s remarks raise serious legal and ethical concerns, particularly in light of the Hague Convention, which prohibits threats against enemy combatants.

Hegseth made the controversial statement during a military campaign involving both the U.S. and Israel against Iran, which has already resulted in significant civilian casualties, including a recent strike on a girls’ school that killed more than 170 people, most of them children. Critics like Brian Finucane from the International Crisis Group have highlighted that such rhetoric could lead to lawless conduct on the battlefield and undermine measures to protect civilians.

Despite the backlash, Hegseth has dismissed concerns regarding international law, stating he would not adhere to what he termed ‘stupid rules of engagement.’ His comments have sparked fears that the military’s focus on maximum lethality may overshadow the need to minimize civilian harm.

Legal experts point out that declaring ‘no quarter’ has been condemned historically, with precedents from the Nuremberg trials. The U.S. military’s current operations against Iran have already faced accusations of illegal warfare, with the initial strike on February 28 labeled as ‘unprovoked.’ Additionally, the sinking of the Iranian military vessel IRIS Dena, which resulted in at least 84 deaths, has further complicated the situation, as it raises questions about compliance with the Geneva Convention.

The Pentagon’s policies have raised alarms among human rights advocates, who argue that Hegseth’s language could foster an environment that disregards legal constraints. Senator Jeff Merkley has criticized Hegseth’s approach, linking it directly to the tragic consequences of the attacks on civilian targets, such as the girls’ school. The ongoing conflict has already resulted in at least 1,444 Iranian deaths and widespread displacement, highlighting the urgent need for adherence to international legal standards in warfare.