U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates Amid War Crime Allegations and Proxy Mobilization

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have intensified as more than 100 international law experts from institutions including Harvard and Yale issued an open letter accusing the U.S. of potential war crimes. The letter cites strikes on schools, hospitals, and residential areas, specifically highlighting a February 28 attack on a girls' school that resulted in 175 deaths. The legal scrutiny follows comments from President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding the rejection of restrictive rules of engagement. In a Wednesday address, President Trump escalated his rhetoric, vowing to target Iran's energy infrastructure, power plants, and bridges over the next several weeks. This stance has drawn sharp condemnation from Muslim advocacy groups and sparked diplomatic friction with allies. French President Emmanuel Macron publicly questioned the U.S. approach to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, urging the administration to adopt a more serious diplomatic tone. On the ground, Iran has officially activated its 'Axis of Resistance' network. This strategic shift brings reinforcements from Hezbollah, the Houthis, and various Iraqi militias to coordinate a unified defense against U.S. and Israeli forces. While no new sanctions or nuclear developments were reported in the last 24 hours, the Iranian Red Crescent now estimates the total death toll of the conflict has surpassed 2,000.