EU Chief warns against targeting civilian infrastructure

BRUSSELS, Belgium: Striking civilian infrastructure installations during war is illegal, Antonio Costa said in a social media post on Monday.

His warning came after Donald Trump threatened to devastate civilian infrastructure in Iran if it did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

“Any targeting of civilian infrastructure, namely energy facilities, is illegal and unacceptable,” Costa said.

He added, “This applies to Russia’s war in Ukraine, and it applies everywhere. The Iranian civilian population is the main victim of the Iranian regime. It would also be the main victim of a widening of the military campaign.”

Costa also called on Iran to stop attacks in the region. “The European Union urges Iran to immediately put an end to its attacks against countries in the region and to allow for the reestablishment of full freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.”

He emphasized that the conflict cannot be solved by war. “After five weeks of war in the Middle East, it is clear that only a diplomatic solution will settle its root causes,” he said.