Belgium warns against attacks on Iranian civilian infrastructure

Deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure would constitute clear-cut violations of international humanitarian law, Belgium’s foreign minister warned Tuesday amid repeated US threats to target Iran’s bridges and power plants.

"Deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure are clear violations of international humanitarian law (IHL)," Maxime Prevot wrote on US social media company X.

"They only mean more suffering among the civilian population. IHL was designed to shield civilians and essential services from conflict. IHL must be respected, in all conflicts and by all parties," he added.

His remarks came after US President Trump said “a whole civilization will die tonight” as his deadline for a ceasefire agreement with Iran approached.

Trump threatened to bomb power stations and bridges across Iran if Tehran fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and reach an agreement by 8 pm EDT Tuesday (0000GMT Wednesday).

The region has been on alert since Israel and the US launched an offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, so far killing more than 1,400 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure, and disrupting global markets and aviation.