Military strikes on water facilities in Iran may constitute a war crime, experts say

Military and legal experts say recent strikes that damaged water storage facilities in southern Iran may constitute a war crime, following reports and visual evidence of a 10 June attack on Bemani, a small district near the Strait of Hormuz. The strike destroyed water tanks serving about 20,000 residents in a region already suffering from a historic drought.

Experts note that international humanitarian law draws a strict distinction between military objectives and civilian infrastructure. If the water facilities were deliberately targeted, the action could qualify as a war crime. If the damage was incidental, questions remain about proportionality and precautions taken to protect civilians.

Iran’s state broadcaster attributed the strikes to the United States, though this has not been independently verified. A spokesperson for US Central Command said the military was aware of the reports and was reviewing them. The White House declined to comment, referring inquiries to Central Command.

The incident occurred amid escalating tensions in the US-Israel conflict with Iran and uncertainty over a ceasefire announced earlier this year. Donald Trump has publicly warned Iran of further military action while also claiming progress toward a negotiated settlement—claims Iranian officials have disputed.

Analysts warn that damage to water infrastructure during summer conditions could have severe humanitarian consequences. Iran is among the most water-stressed countries globally, and further disruptions could be catastrophic for civilians.

US lawmakers have raised concerns about the legality and oversight of the strikes, including whether advanced targeting technologies such as AI played a role. Members of Congress have indicated that intentional attacks on civilian water systems would significantly affect political support for continued military operations.

Investigations into the Bemani strike are ongoing, with legal experts emphasizing that if the facilities were not lawful military targets, the attack would constitute a serious violation of the laws of war.

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