NBC News: Pentagon Preparing Options for Strikes on Dual-Use Targets in Iran
NBC News reported that the Pentagon is preparing options for strikes on targets in Iran with both military and civilian applications, potentially allowing the United States to avoid war crime classifications.
The options come as President-elect Donald Trump considers implementing his threats to target Iran's critical infrastructure, including bridges, power plants and electricity facilities, according to two U.S. officials cited by the outlet.
Trump has made broad threats against all of Iran's critical infrastructure without specified limits. He also claimed, based on intercepted intelligence from conversations among Iranian citizens, that they are willing to endure such pressures in pursuit of "freedom."
International law experts stated that intentional attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international law and could constitute war crimes, unless proportionate. Targeting dual-use facilities might allow justification as strikes on military objectives.
The report contrasts this with U.S. accusations that Russia committed war crimes by attacking energy infrastructure in Ukraine.
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