The United States and Iran are engaged in an escalating series of strikes aimed at preventing military dominance over the Strait of Hormuz. The US has intensified attacks on Iranian roads, bridges, and power plants, while Iran has retaliated by striking US military bases in neighboring Gulf countries and Jordan.

Since hostilities resumed on July 15, Iranian authorities report at least 50 deaths and 500 injuries within Iran. The conflict has also caused widespread power blackouts amid a heatwave, affecting Iranian civilians.

A spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed particular concern on Friday, July 18, about attacks on civilian infrastructure in Iran and across the region, calling such attacks unacceptable.

International law, under the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their 1977 Additional Protocols, prohibits armed attacks or reprisals on civilian infrastructure unless it can be demonstrated that the infrastructure was used for military purposes at the time of attack and that its destruction offers a definite military advantage.

The ongoing strikes have also included attacks on infrastructure in Kuwait, raising questions about the broader impact on Gulf stability. Meanwhile, the US has released footage documenting nine consecutive nights of strikes on Iran.

The situation remains volatile as both sides continue military actions with significant humanitarian and legal implications.

Sources