Iran Criticizes US Sanctions on ICC Judges as a New Low in Foreign Policy

Iran's Response to US Sanctions

Tehran, June 9: Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, has expressed strong disapproval of the recent sanctions imposed by the United States on judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC), labeling it a "new low" in the realm of US foreign policy.

In a post on the social media platform X, Baghaei reacted to the US government's announcement made on Thursday, which sanctioned four ICC judges. This action was taken in response to the tribunal's issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and its previous decision to investigate alleged war crimes committed by US forces in Afghanistan.

Baghaei criticized the US for its actions, stating that the sanctions against ICC judges and personnel for fulfilling their judicial responsibilities represent a significant decline, even for a nation known for coercive foreign policy tactics.

He further claimed that the US continues to misuse its influence, referencing Washington's recent vote against a United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at preventing "genocide" in Gaza, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Baghaei emphasized that the sanctions against the ICC judges position the United States as a leading "enduring and persistent accomplice" in the alleged crimes committed by Israel in Gaza.

He called on the global community to stand against such "barbarism," which he believes undermines the foundations of international law and the core principles of humanity.

According to a statement from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the individuals sanctioned include Solomy Balungi Bossa from Uganda, Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza from Peru, Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou from Benin, and Beti Hohler from Slovenia.