US Imposes Sanctions on ICC with Threat to 'End' International Court - BBC News
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US imposes sanctions on International Criminal Court
Image source: Reuters
By Florence Freeman
Published 51 minutes ago
The Trump administration has imposed sweeping sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), stating its intention to restrict the tribunal's resources and operations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the measures, which include a ban on US entities conducting transactions with the ICC, as a means to "defend US sovereignty" and accuse the court of attempting to prosecute Americans.
The ICC countered that these sanctions represent an assault on the rule of law and international legal order.
This announcement comes shortly after former ICC judge Navi Pillay was awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy of peace and international law. US President Donald Trump had previously expressed discontent with the Nobel Committee's choice of winner, particularly regarding their investigation into potential Israeli and Hamas war crimes during the October 7 conflict.
The US argues that since it never ratified the ICC's founding statute, the court has no jurisdiction over it. However, the ICC has investigated US actions in other countries.
Rubio stated that Trump will not allow the ICC to prosecute Americans, adding: "Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC."
The sanctions will prevent US companies from providing services like banking or software to the ICC. Rubio explained that the US had delayed imposing these sanctions in an attempt to resolve concerns with the ICC and its member states, but now structured them to allow for potential negotiations.
He also called on US allies who are signatories of the ICC to "rein in" the institution.
In response, the ICC stated that these sanctions aim to disrupt its work and intimidate those cooperating with it, but asserted: "We will not be deterred."
The Trump administration has previously criticized the court for its investigation into US actions in Afghanistan, which they have since deprioritized. They have also been critical of the ICC issuing arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.