Iran reacts to US Secretary Hegseth's 'war crime' remarks: Prohibited under international law

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has responded to US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's use of the phrase "no quarter" regarding military operations against Iran. In a post on his social media account, Araghchi stated, "When the US Secretary of Defense declares 'no quarter,' it is not a show of strength. It demonstrates moral bankruptcy and ignorance of the laws of armed conflict."

Reminding Hegseth of international legal norms, Araghchi said, "We advise him to review the Hague Convention and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, unless he aims to join Netanyahu as a war criminal."

Hegseth's "no quarter" statement sparks controversy

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, in a recent press conference at the Pentagon, made statements regarding operations against Iran, saying, "We will keep the pressure on, we will keep moving forward. For our enemies, no quarter." Known in military terminology as "no quarter," this phrase, which implies that surrendering soldiers will not be taken prisoner, has become a focus of criticism in international legal circles, with some legal experts and politicians pointing out that Hegseth's words could have serious consequences under the laws of war.

Prohibited under international law

According to international humanitarian law, the killing of surrendering soldiers is prohibited, and the declaration of "no quarter" is explicitly among the acts banned under the 1907 Hague Convention. Furthermore, under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the killing of persons who have surrendered or are otherwise hors de combat is considered a war crime.

Trump's call recalled

On the other hand, Hegseth's words have also led to assessments that they contradict US President Donald Trump's recent statement, in which he called on the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Iranian army, and police forces to lay down their arms, saying, "Lay down your weapons and receive full immunity."

News Source: 12punto