U.S. Intensifies Sanctions on International Criminal Court Officials

The Trump administration imposed new sanctions on ICC officials, accusing the court of targeting U.S. and Israeli leaders. Treasury and State Departments designated four officials involved in cases against the two nations, escalating tensions. The sanctions aim to disrupt the ICC's function amidst its investigation of global war crimes.

The Trump administration has ratcheted up its opposition to the International Criminal Court (ICC) by imposing sanctions on four of its officials. This move follows the court's pursuit of cases against the United States and Israel, sparking significant controversy.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the ICC as a "national security threat" and criticized its perceived politicization and judicial overreach. This second wave of sanctions represents a marked escalation in the U.S.'s stance against the court following similar actions taken months prior.

The impacted individuals include two judges and two prosecutors from France, Fiji, Senegal, and Canada. These officials have been involved in ICC cases linked to both Israel and the U.S., potentially affecting the court's operations in high-profile investigations, including those concerning Russia and the Israel-Hamas conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)