Washington D.C.: US President Donald Trump on Monday dismissed concerns that targeting Iran’s power plants and civilian infrastructure could constitute a war crime, sharply dehumanizing Iranians in remarks at the White House Easter egg roll.
“I’m not worried about it…because they are animals,” Trump said, arguing that allowing Tehran to possess a nuclear weapon was itself a war crime. He added that Iran had been given “many chances” and had failed to comply, claiming the United States had already achieved regime change, with the new leadership being “more moderate.”
Trump’s comments come amid Iran’s formal rejection of a US-mediated 45-day ceasefire, conveyed via Pakistan. Tehran called instead for a “permanent end to the war,” with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei asserting that “negotiation is in no way compatible with ultimatums, with crimes, or with the threat of committing war crimes.”
Iran outlined a 10-clause framework demanding regional conflict resolution, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, and reconstruction commitments.
Addressing criticism over his use of expletives on Truth Social regarding reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said the language was “only to make my point.” He also asserted that Iran preferred a ceasefire “because they’re getting obliterated” and reiterated that the US was unconcerned about targeting civilian infrastructure.
Trump further indicated that any extension of the truce deadline was “highly unlikely,” emphasizing the administration’s confrontational stance toward Tehran.
