Iran Warns No Country Is Safe If Civilian Infrastructure Attacks Become Normal

According to Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ismail Baghaei, normalizing threats or attacks against civilian infrastructure threatens the security of vital facilities worldwide. Baghaei issued the warning during an online statement published on X, as reported by IRNA, marking the 77th anniversary of the adoption of the 1949 Geneva Conventions on international humanitarian law.

Geneva Conventions and the Protection of Civilian Infrastructure

The 1949 Geneva Conventions establish fundamental rules of war, including the distinction between military and civilian targets, proportionality, and the prevention of unnecessary suffering. According to Baghaei, the framers of the conventions could not have imagined that the United States—as both the host country of the United Nations and a permanent member of the Security Council—would threaten and execute attacks against civilian bridges, power plants, and other infrastructure.

Baghaei urged the international community, state parties to the Geneva Conventions, and Switzerland as the depository state not to ignore these actions. Referring to Common Article 1 of the four Geneva Conventions, Baghaei emphasized that states possess an obligation not only to comply with the rules but also to ensure they are respected. Silence in the face of open threats against civilian targets, he warned, undermines fundamental post-World War II legal and civilizational achievements.

Escalating Retaliation Threats in the Strait of Hormuz

The recent diplomatic warnings follow direct military and economic flare-ups in the region. Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi warned via X that any attack targeting Iranian infrastructure would trigger a severe and decisive response, adding that supporting nations would also be treated as legitimate targets, according to Anadolu coverage. Araghchi stated that Iran’s defense doctrine operates on a “mata dibalas mata” basis.

These warnings followed statements by United States President Donald Trump threatening to strike Iranian infrastructure, such as bridges and power plants, if Tehran targeted commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Countering Washington’s claims, Iranian officials maintained that vessel traffic data disproves U.S. control over the strategic waterway. Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf previously warned that regional nations would not export oil if Iran faced export blocks, asserting that the Strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war arrangements while U.S. troops remain.

Broader Regional Impacts and Alternative Chokepoints

Amid ongoing maritime disputes, warnings have extended beyond the Persian Gulf. Ali Akbar Velayati, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, stated via social media that the resistance front could target the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if the White House repeated what he called foolish mistakes. Velayati noted that global energy and trade flows could be disrupted through that chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

Further escalating the posture, a spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned on April 6 that subsequent stages of Iran’s offensive and retaliatory operations would become significantly more destructive and extensive if civilian targets faced repeated attacks, as reported by Antara News. Meanwhile, independent analysts like Mearsheimer have disputed Washington’s claims regarding control of the Strait of Hormuz, affirming that Iran retains operational influence over the passage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Iran say about civilian infrastructure attacks?

According to Ministry Spokesperson Ismail Baghaei, normalizing attacks on civilian infrastructure threatens vital facilities globally and violates the foundational principles of international humanitarian law established by the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

How has the United States responded regarding the Strait of Hormuz?

U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Washington would strike Iranian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, if Iran launched attacks against commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

What is Iran’s stated defense doctrine?

According to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Iran operates under a defense doctrine of “mata dibalas mata”, warning that any aggression against domestic infrastructure will prompt a severe and decisive response.

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