Rubio denounces Amnesty International over allegations of US war crimes in Iran

Friday 09 - 13:25

By: Azzat Manal

Rubio denounces Amnesty International over allegations of US war crimes in Iran

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has rejected accusations by Amnesty International that the United States violated international humanitarian law during its military campaign against Iran, sharply criticizing the organization and questioning its credibility.

Asked about Amnesty International’s allegations, Rubio said the organization should instead focus on the Iranian authorities’ actions against their own population. He described the group as a “scam” and accused Iran’s leadership of killing large numbers of people during crackdowns on protesters in Tehran and other parts of the country.

Rubio also alleged that Iranian security forces had targeted injured demonstrators inside hospitals, killing patients in their beds and, in some cases, medical personnel who had treated them. He characterized these alleged acts as war crimes and crimes against humanity, directing criticism at the Iranian government.

Amnesty International, meanwhile, has called for accountability over a deadly US strike on a school in Minab, southern Iran, on February 28, 2026. In a report published in March, the organization said its investigation indicated that US forces had failed to take all feasible precautions to prevent civilian casualties. It reported that 156 people were killed, including more than 120 children, according to the figures cited in its updated findings.

The rights organization said its assessment drew on satellite imagery, video footage, photographs and interviews with people familiar with the attack. It raised concerns that outdated intelligence may have contributed to the strike and called on US authorities to conduct a thorough, independent and transparent investigation, with the findings made public. These are Amnesty International’s conclusions and allegations; the organization has also acknowledged limitations in independently verifying all casualty figures because of restricted access to Iran.

The dispute comes amid broader controversy over the conduct of military operations against Iran and the protection of civilians during armed conflict. International humanitarian law requires parties to distinguish between military objectives and civilian objects and to take feasible precautions to minimize harm to civilians. Allegations of unlawful attacks require careful investigation and assessment of the available evidence.

Rubio also addressed questions about US military operations involving Portugal, saying Washington was acting under longstanding agreements with Lisbon and other NATO allies. He described cooperation between the two countries as strong and structured, adding that US forces followed established protocols governing the use of facilities and military bases.

The secretary of state rejected suggestions that Washington would violate Portugal’s sovereignty, arguing that such conduct would be inconsistent with the relationship between allies. He declined to disclose whether specific discussions had taken place with Portuguese officials about the operations, saying he would not comment on the details of diplomatic conversations.

The issue has attracted additional scrutiny in Portugal. Reuters reported on October 3 that prosecutors had opened an investigation into whether the government had lawfully authorized US use of Lajes Air Base in the Azores during the conflict with Iran. The inquiry followed a complaint challenging the legality of the authorization, while Portuguese officials have defended the arrangements.

Rubio’s comments underscore the competing accusations and diplomatic tensions surrounding the conflict. While he focused on allegations of abuses by Iranian authorities, Amnesty International has demanded accountability for civilian deaths caused by US military action. The central questions remain how the attacks were conducted, whether international legal obligations were respected and whether investigations will establish responsibility.