Democratic lawmakers condemn Trump’s ‘unhinged’ threat to commit ‘war crimes’
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- Senate Democrats condemn Trump’s threats to strike Iranian civilian targets.
- Lawmakers call for negotiations and urge Republican leaders to intervene.
Several Democratic senators have strongly criticized President Donald Trump’s recent statements threatening attacks on Iranian infrastructure and civilians if Tehran does not comply with his demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Senator Edward Markey of Massachusetts called Trump’s social media posts “unhinged and profanity-laced,” warning that such threats “won’t open the Strait of Hormuz.” He urged diplomatic efforts to avoid further costs to Americans both at the pump and in human lives.
Read more: Trump threatens to ‘obliterate’ Iranian infrastructure if Hormuz Strait remains closed
Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut labeled Trump’s planned actions a “clear war crime,” stressing that destroying bridges and power plants and targeting civilians would not achieve the desired strategic outcome. “GOP leaders need to stop him,” Murphy said.
Civilian risks and legal concerns
Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan highlighted the danger posed to both Iranian civilians and US service members. She called indiscriminate attacks on infrastructure “irresponsible and wrong,” noting they contradict Trump’s stated goal of helping the Iranian people while putting Americans at risk and draining national resources.
Read more: Global economy under 'major threat' from Strait of Hormuz crisis: IEA chief
Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii echoed the sentiment, urging the public to oppose Trump’s plans immediately. “Bombing civilian infrastructure is a war crime, and the time to speak out against it is right now,” he said.
Calls for action
Democratic lawmakers stressed that diplomatic engagement, rather than threats of mass destruction, remains the only responsible path forward. Their statements also put pressure on Republican leaders to counter the president’s aggressive posture, warning that inaction could have severe legal and humanitarian consequences.
