The United States and Iran are engaged in a severe escalation of strikes, each asserting the actions are necessary to prevent the other from gaining military dominance over the Strait of Hormuz. Recent US attacks have targeted roads, bridges, and power plants in southern and northwestern Iran, while Iran has retaliated by striking US military bases in neighbouring Gulf nations and Jordan.

This escalation follows the collapse of a fragile memorandum of understanding towards peace signed by the two countries in June. International humanitarian law strictly prohibits the targeting of civilian infrastructure during armed conflict. The current wave of strikes has led to significant civilian casualties, with Iranian authorities reporting at least 50 deaths and 500 wounded since July 15. This situation has drawn criticism from international bodies, including the United Nations.

US President Donald Trump has publicly stated intentions to target Iranian power plants and bridges if negotiations do not proceed. These threats echo earlier statements made in April. In response to Iranian actions, which resulted in the deaths of at least two US military personnel, the US has intensified its strikes. Dozens of locations in Iran have been hit in the past week, including military command centres, railways, and airports.

The United Nations Secretary-General's spokesperson expressed particular concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure in Iran and the region, deeming them unacceptable. The ongoing conflict raises critical questions about adherence to international humanitarian law and the definition of protected civilian sites.

International humanitarian law, particularly the 1949 Geneva Conventions, defines civilian objects as those not used for military purposes. This includes infrastructure essential for the survival of the civilian population, such as homes, schools, hospitals, and essential utilities like power plants and transportation networks not directly supporting military operations.

During the initial phase of the conflict, launched by the US and Israel on February 28, several sites designated as civilian were reportedly hit. Among these was a girls' school in Minab, where approximately 170 people were killed. The classification of a site can become complex if it has dual use, serving both civilian and military functions, but even then, precautions must be taken to minimize civilian harm.

The current cycle of violence has severe repercussions for the civilian population in Iran, exacerbating existing hardships like power blackouts during a heatwave. The resumption of hostilities and the targeting of infrastructure vital to daily life underscore the devastating human cost of the escalating conflict.

As the conflict progresses, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with a focus on accountability for any alleged violations of international law. The ongoing strikes and the lack of clear de-escalation strategies leave many questions regarding the future trajectory of the conflict and its impact on regional stability.