Iran accuses US of war crimes over attack on water reservoirs

Iran has accused the United States of committing a war crime by attacking civilian water infrastructure.

Iran has accused the United States of committing a war crime by attacking civilian water infrastructure. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the US deliberately targeted water reservoirs in Sirik, a town in Hormozgan province. He wrote on X that two reservoirs with a combined capacity of 2,500 cubic metres were destroyed. These reservoirs supplied drinking water to more than 20,000 people across ten villages.
Baghaei said the US military “deliberately struck vital civilian water infrastructure” as part of its aggression against Iran. He called the attack a “calculated war crime.” He also said it was a flagrant violation of international law. He added: “The US must be held accountable for committing such systematic, brutal attacks on civilian life-sustaining infrastructure.” His words are very strong. Accusing another country of war crimes is a serious charge. Under international law, attacking civilian infrastructure like water supplies can indeed be a war crime. The Geneva Conventions protect civilians during war. They say that attacks must not target things that are essential for survival, such as water, food, and electricity. Iran is now making that case against the United States.
The attack happened in Sirik, which is in Hormozgan province. This province is on the coast of the Gulf of Oman. It is close to the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is a key waterway for oil shipments. Recently, President Trump claimed that the US military carried out a secret mission to move 100 million barrels of oil through the strait. He also said the US now controls the strait. Iran is pushing back. By attacking water infrastructure, the US is putting pressure on ordinary Iranian citizens. They are not soldiers. They are farmers, shopkeepers, and families. Without clean drinking water, thousands of people could suffer. Iran wants the world to see this as a crime.
The United States has not yet responded to Iran’s accusation. It is possible the US will say the reservoirs were being used for military purposes. That is a common defence when civilian sites are attacked. But Iran has presented no evidence of military use. It says the reservoirs were purely civilian. The international community may now get involved. Human rights groups and the United Nations could investigate. For now, Iran is using this attack to build sympathy and to condemn the US. The war is becoming more brutal.
Iran says the US committed a war crime. The US has not yet replied. Without clean water, 20,000 people are now at risk. The world must take notice.