7am 'A whole civilisation will die tonight': Is Trump threatening war crimes?
Apr 7, 2026
Rachel VanLandingham, a national security law expert and former Air Force judge advocate, explains the legal limits on attacking civilian infrastructure. She discusses when power plants or bridges could be lawful targets. She outlines tests for military necessity, precautions required, and the duty to refuse manifestly unlawful orders.
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Threatening Nationwide Infrastructure Is A War Crime
- Rachel Van Landingham says threatening to destroy all bridges and power plants in Iran amounts to the war crime of indiscriminate attack.
- She highlights that destroying civilian infrastructure like power plants predictably terrifies civilians and disrupts hospitals and water purification.
Civilian Infrastructure Can Be A Legitimate Target
- Van Landingham explains civilian objects can become lawful military objectives if they have a concrete intended military use.
- She stresses attackers must show intended use, take feasible precautions, and that civilian harm not be excessive relative to military advantage.
Disobey Manifestly Unlawful Orders
- Military personnel must disobey manifestly unlawful orders to destroy all power plants and bridges.
- Van Landingham advises commanders should filter presidential directives through law of armed conflict to isolate lawful targets.