New Delhi, Updated At : 11:20 AM Apr 07, 2026 IST
The United Nations on Tuesday expressed alarm over remarks by US President Donald Trump threatening strikes on Iran’s critical infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, amid rising tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.
Responding to a question, UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the rhetoric in the social media post was deeply concerning and urged all parties to adhere strictly to international law.
“We were alarmed by the rhetoric… that threatened American attacks on power plants, bridges and other infrastructure, should Iran not agree to a deal,” Dujarric said.
Reiterating the Secretary-General’s position, he stressed that civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities, must not be targeted under any circumstances. Even where such infrastructure could be considered a military objective, international humanitarian law prohibits attacks that risk causing excessive civilian harm, he added.
Dujarric warned any assault on civilian infrastructure would be a “clear violation of international law,” while noting that determinations of whether such acts constitute war crimes would be for competent judicial bodies.
“The Secretary-General has been very clear… it is high time for the parties to stop this conflict, as there is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes,” he said.
The comments come amid heightened tensions in West Asia, with Washington warning of strong military action if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
At a White House press conference, President Trump again warned he could target and destroy key civilian infrastructure in Iran, including bridges and power plants, if Tehran failed to agree to a deal by a set deadline.
Reiterating a deadline of 8 pm (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, Trump said the US has the capability to “decimate” Iran’s infrastructure within hours, linking the ultimatum to demands including reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring the free flow of oil.
“We have a plan… where every bridge in Iran will be decimated… where every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding, and never to be used again,” Trump said, adding such an operation could be executed within four hours if ordered.
He said Washington did not wish to pursue such action and hinted at the possibility of assisting in rebuilding Iran if an agreement is reached. “Do I want to destroy their infrastructure? No… The only way they’re going to rebuild their country is to utilise the genius of the United States,” he said.
Trump also claimed the US had demonstrated its capability by striking a major bridge in Iran within minutes of issuing orders, after receiving inputs that negotiations were faltering.
