Iran Says Silence on Use of Force Erodes Global Order

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said on social media that the international order collapses not only through aggression but also when the use of force becomes normalized and the world remains silent. His comments came in response to new US sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) and threats to dismantle it.

Baghaei quoted US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as threatening to dismantle the ICC "brick by brick" if US allies fail to rein it in. He then referenced the 1930s, stating: "Remember the 1930s: international orders collapse not only through aggression, but when the use of force becomes normalized and the world remains silent."

Addressing Europe, Baghaei asked: "Does standing by an alliance mean defending international law and the post-WWII normative & institutional framework - or standing with the U.S. as it dismantles them?" He concluded by saying that if law and justice are sacrificed to appease an aggressive ally, any talk of human rights and a rules-based international order becomes nothing more than empty rhetoric.

The remarks highlight Iran's ongoing criticism of US actions against international institutions. The US has recently imposed sanctions on the ICC, which has been investigating alleged war crimes by US forces in Afghanistan and by Israeli forces in the Palestinian territories. Washington has consistently opposed the ICC's jurisdiction over its personnel and allies.

Baghaei's statement reflects Iran's broader position on the need to uphold international law and multilateral institutions. It also underscores tensions between the US and its European allies over the ICC, as well as Iran's opposition to what it sees as US unilateralism.

According to Mehr News, Baghaei's comments were posted on social media and were part of Iran's response to the new US sanctions on the ICC.