"Attacking civilian targets is widely considered a war crime in most cases. However, international law provides some leeway in determining whether it's justified to bomb facilities with both military and civilian uses."
"Watters claimed, 'Bombing power plants is not a war crime.' He referenced historical precedents where the U.S. targeted energy infrastructure during conflicts, suggesting it can be done humanely under the laws of warfare."
"Military historians stated that in all the wars Watters cited, the U.S. attacked power plants that served both military and civilian purposes, but aimed to minimize actions risking civilian lives."
"The U.S. has always aspired to respect the principle of distinction - differentiating between civilian and military targets - and the principle of proportionality, especially after the Vietnam War."
President Trump indicated a potential attack on Iranian civilian infrastructure if no agreement was reached. He warned that a civilization could perish. Fox News host Jesse Watters claimed historical precedents exist for such actions, citing past U.S. military operations. While international law allows for some justification in targeting dual-use facilities, military historians noted that the U.S. has aimed to minimize civilian casualties and adhere to principles of distinction and proportionality, especially post-Vietnam War.
Read at Poynter
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