In a series of pointed statements, Iranian officials have sharply criticized recent U.S. actions in the region, characterizing them as acts of terrorism that have effectively removed diplomacy from the American agenda. The Islamic Republic's Foreign Ministry has articulated a firm stance, asserting that negotiations cannot proceed under ultimatums or threats of war crimes, while simultaneously preparing a calibrated diplomatic response to be unveiled at a strategically chosen moment.
Central to Tehran's recent accusations is the controversial "Isfahan operation." Iranian authorities have suggested that this military maneuver may have been a diversionary tactic aimed at stealing uranium, though they emphasize that the attempt ultimately failed. The Foreign Ministry described the operation as a "scandal and a disaster" for the United States, expressing hope that Washington has drawn lessons from what it termed a reckless and counterproductive venture. This incident, according to Iranian officials, exemplifies a broader pattern: the U.S. prioritizes the preservation of what Tehran refers to as "the Israeli entity" over genuine regional security, thereby destabilizing the Persian Gulf and undermining prospects for peaceful resolution.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Naval Force Command has reinforced Iran's strategic posture with a definitive declaration regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Commanders stated unequivocally that the strategic waterway "will not return to its previous status, especially for the American and [Israeli] enemy." The IRGC Naval Force is reportedly finalizing operational preparations to implement a new security framework in the Persian Gulf, signaling a long-term shift in regional maritime dynamics. This stance reflects Tehran's commitment to asserting sovereign control over critical chokepoints while deterring what it perceives as hostile naval presence.
Regarding diplomatic pathways, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman confirmed that Tehran has prepared comprehensive responses to a 15-point U.S. proposal aimed at ending the conflict. The plan, relayed through intermediaries including Pakistan and other friendly states, was dismissed by Iranian officials as containing "excessive, unusual and unreasonable demands." While acknowledging certain acceptable elements, Iran has formulated its own counter-proposals grounded in national interests and clearly defined red lines. The ministry emphasized that details of Iran's response will be disclosed only when deemed necessary, underscoring a strategy of deliberate, controlled communication.
Tehran has also expressed skepticism toward temporary ceasefire arrangements. Iranian officials argue that a short-term pause in hostilities would merely provide aggressors with time to regroup and prepare for further escalation. Instead, Iran calls for a definitive and comprehensive end to the war, with guarantees against its repetition. This position aligns with broader regional concerns about cyclical violence and the urgent need for sustainable peace frameworks that address root causes rather than symptoms.
The legal and moral dimensions of the conflict have drawn unprecedented scrutiny from the international legal community. More than one hundred U.S.-based international law experts, professors, and practitioners have issued a joint statement warning that the United States' military campaign against Iran constitutes a clear violation of the United Nations Charter and raises serious concerns about potential war crimes. The scholars emphasize that the initiation of hostilities on February 28 lacked authorization from the UN Security Council and was not justified by self-defense against an imminent armed attack, thereby breaching fundamental principles of international law governing the use of force.
These legal experts have expressed particular alarm over reported strikes targeting civilian infrastructure, including schools, health facilities, water desalination plants, and energy installations. They cite the attack on a primary school in Minab, which reportedly killed at least 175 people, many of them children, as a particularly troubling incident that may violate international humanitarian law. The letter also condemns rhetoric from senior U.S. officials that appears to dismiss legal constraints on military operations, including statements describing rules of engagement as "stupid" and prioritizing "lethality" over "legality." Threats to destroy power plants and other infrastructure essential to civilian survival, they warn, could constitute war crimes if carried out.
The experts further caution that systematic efforts to weaken institutional safeguards within the U.S. Defense Department—including the removal of senior military lawyers and the abolition of civilian harm mitigation teams—risk enabling further violations of international law. They urge U.S. officials to reaffirm their commitment to the UN Charter, international humanitarian law, and human rights law, and call on allied nations to uphold their obligations not to assist in internationally wrongful acts.
These concerns from the legal community coincide with sharp criticism from within the United States Congress. Multiple U.S. senators have publicly denounced President Trump's threats to target Iranian infrastructure as potential war crimes. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut stated unequivocally that threatening to destroy infrastructure essential to civilian life constitutes a clear war crime, warning that such actions would kill thousands of innocent people and permanently stain America's global standing. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer echoed these concerns, describing the President's rhetoric as unhinged and warning that threatening possible war crimes alienates allies and betrays American values. Progressive Senator Bernie Sanders joined the chorus of criticism, characterizing the President's statements as the ravings of a dangerous and mentally unbalanced individual and calling on Congress to act immediately to end the war.
These domestic and international criticisms come as reports indicate that more than 1,600 civilians in Iran, including at least 244 children, have been killed since U.S. and Israeli airstrikes began in late February. Iranian officials point to these casualties as further evidence that the U.S. campaign disregards civilian life and international legal norms. Tehran argues that threats to escalate attacks on civilian infrastructure only reinforce the perception that Washington favors coercion over dialogue and is willing to sacrifice regional stability for short-term tactical gains.
Meanwhile, reports of discussions around a potential 45-day ceasefire—potentially leading to a permanent resolution—have been met with cautious scrutiny in Tehran. Iranian authorities stress that any meaningful de-escalation must be built on mutual respect, adherence to international law, and recognition of Iran's legitimate security concerns. They emphasize that diplomatic progress cannot be achieved under the shadow of threats or ultimatums.
As the region navigates this precarious juncture, Iran's messaging remains consistent: diplomacy must be conducted without preconditions or threats, regional security cannot be sacrificed for unilateral interests, and any path forward must acknowledge the realities of a transformed strategic landscape. With its diplomatic response prepared and its military posture adjusted, Tehran signals readiness to engage—but strictly on terms that safeguard its sovereignty and contribute to lasting stability in the Persian Gulf. The growing chorus of criticism from U.S. lawmakers and the unprecedented warning from international legal scholars add new dimensions to the crisis, highlighting deep divisions not only between nations but within the American political and legal establishments themselves over the conduct, legality, and consequences of the war on Iran.
'Deranged lunatic': US lawmakers slam Trump on Iran, say threats constitute ‘war crimes’
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