The tense war of words between Iran and the US escalated on Thursday. Iran deemed the US threats targeting civilian infrastructure a violation of international law, while Washington warned Tehran that the cost would mount if it fails to compromise in nuclear talks.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ismail Bakıri strongly condemned statements by US officials regarding the possibility of attacks on Iran's civilian infrastructure. Bakıri argued that such threats violate the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law.
In a written statement, Bakıri said, "No order can legitimize the commission of a war crime," and stressed that relying on high-level instructions would not absolve perpetrators of criminal responsibility.
Bakıri accused the current US administration of undermining the foundations of international humanitarian law and sacrificing the values of civilization for the sake of war-oriented policies. He stated that any policy allowing the destruction of bridges and power plants would be an illegal act and a war crime. Describing such actions as collective punishment and retaliation, Bakıri noted that they are explicitly prohibited under both international law and US laws.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at a press conference that he does not believe Iran is currently ready to reach an agreement with Washington. Rubio stated that President Donald Trump remains in charge of negotiations with Tehran and that all US negotiating teams are working in line with the president's instructions.
Rubio warned that "the cost Iran will pay will grow heavier every night" until Iranian leaders return to a "rational path," and claimed that Iran contacts the US every day to try to make a deal but then changes its stance.
Noting that Tehran is already experiencing unprecedented difficulties, Rubio insisted that no deal can be reached unless Iran is ready to fulfill its commitments. While saying Iran is not ready to sign an agreement now, he noted that this could change in the near future and reiterated that Washington's goal is to eliminate Iran's nuclear threat.
Rubio also accused Tehran of providing financial support to Hezbollah and armed militias to promote terrorism. Touching on regional developments, Rubio said Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen are involved in the conflict and expressed hope that the group would stop its attacks. Describing Saudi Arabia as a key strategic partner of the US, Rubio said Riyadh is seeking nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and that concluding a civilian nuclear deal with the kingdom is a logical decision.
On the other hand, Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced on Thursday that they had targeted and destroyed a number of US military systems and facilities in Jordan as part of the ongoing regional conflict. According to the statement broadcast on Iranian state television, the claimed targets included a THAAD missile defense radar, a Patriot air defense system, a C-RAM radar used to protect military installations, and a helicopter hangar.
The Guards described these attacks as part of Iran's response to the ongoing military conflict between Tehran and Washington. However, US officials did not confirm Iran's claims or comment on the reported damage. The Jordanian army announced that it intercepted four Iranian missiles and six drones.
